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LAST UPDATE | 15 Jan
TWO REGIONAL INDEPENDENT TDs will receive super junior ministries in the next government, while the group has also secured a seat at weekly leaders’ meetings.
Lead negotiator for the group Michael Lowry confirmed that Galway West TD Noel Grealish and Galway East TD Seán Canney will be appointed to minister of state positions in the department of Agriculture and Transport, respectively.
Canney will also attend weekly meetings alongside government leaders Micheál Martin of Fianna Fáil and Simon Harris of Fine Gael. Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran and Marian Harkin will be in junior ministries for higher education and the OPW, respectively.
The draft Programme for Government has also been revealed this afternoon.
Good afternoon and welcome to The Journal‘s politics live blog.
Muiris Ó Cearbhaill here to update you on the latest breaking news coming from our team, Christina Finn and Jane Matthews, down at Leinster House.
There’s plenty developments already, and much more to come. Here’s what The Journal can confirm so far:
The next government is to be made up of Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, eight TDs from the Regional Independents Group and the Healy-Rae brothers, Michael and Danny.
The Programme For Government will include promises to reduce the VAT rate for food-based businesses, hairdressers and barbers will be to 9% and the creation of a public transport police force.
Incoming Tánaiste Simon Harris will get a beefed-up foreign affairs brief, with a focus on trade and diplomatic relations as the political world faces a difficult few years while Michael Healy-Rae confirmed he will receive a junior ministry in the next government.
Four junior minister positions, two super junior (which means they get to go to meetings with full ministers) and two normal junior minister posts, will be given to members of the regional independents group.
We are likely yo get many more developments in the next hour as TDs appear from meeting rooms to speak to our team outside Leinster House. Stick with us to get the latest updates.
Eight TDs from the Regional Independent Group that will make up part of the next government are due to speak with media outside the Dáil at 1.30pm this afternoon, it is understood.
Infrastructure, everyone’s favourite topic in Ireland after the weather, is likely to play a major role in the next programme for government, two incoming government TDs have said.
The delivery of housing, major public-service projects and energy infrastructure such as wind farms is very likely to appear in the document, that will be published later today, it is understood.
Fine Gael’s Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and independent Seán Canney have both said that the programme for government will include commitments to improve the delivery of needed infrastructure in Ireland.
Canney told RTÉ News last night that some promises will include the completion of outstanding projects in a “timely fashion”. He confirmed that rural housing and development will also feature throughout the document.
On Morning Ireland this morning, Carroll MacNeill said infrastructure will feature heavily, with a particular emphasis on spending and investment “from both the state and from the people”.
Advocacy group Women for Election has called on Micheál Martin and Simon Harris, the incoming Fianna Fáil Taoiseach and Fine Gael Tánaiste, to ensure gender balance in the next cabinet of ministers.
The group said that 40% of the next cabinet, seven ministers, should be women and argued that it should be the case as women make up half the population.
“Research worldwide demonstrates that gender-diverse leadership improves decision-making, strengthens governance outcomes and enhances trust in politics,” CEO Brian Sheehan said, adding that both leaders have talented female politicians who should be considered for positions.
Fine Gael TD Jennifer Carroll MacNeill this morning conceded that the female representation in the Dáil is “very low”, during an interview on RTÉ Radio One’s Morning Ireland.
She said, however, that it would be “frivolous” of her to demand that a gender balance is met at cabinet level, and argued that all female TDs who have been elected can fulfil their roles to represent their constituents – as a minister or not.
“It’s my job to do my job to represent my constituents. If I have the opportunity to work in any government, then I will work on behalf of the state in my policy areas,” she said.
Two Regional Independent TDs, Seán Canney and Barry Heneghan, have said discussions between their group, Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael had a major focus on policy and securing commitments.
Both Canney and Heneghan have told RTÉ News that the main focus for their negotiating teams was to get as many of their policy proposals included in the programme for government as possible.
Heneghan claimed it is the opinion of the group that the public would benefit even if just half of the policy proposals tabled by the Regional Independents were included in the document.
The National Bus and Rail Union has welcomed the news that a dedicated public transport police service will be established by the incoming government.
Secretary General of the union Dermot O’Leary thanked front-line workers who have pushed for the measure to be introduced, claiming the commitment has put an end to a long campaign.
He added that he hopes the service will be seen as a necessary resource and help to assist with stretched garda assets.
Political correspondent Jane Matthews has confirmed that Michael Healy Rae, who is to make up part of the next government alongside his brother Danny Healy Rae, will be the next junior minister for agriculture.
The position has a focus on land use, biodiversity and forestry.
Ah, they have fun.
Lead negotiator of the Regional Independent group Tipperary TD Michael Lowry has confirmed that Seán Canney and Noel Grealish will fill the two super junior minister roles in the next government.
Super junior ministers are Ministers of State that attend weekly cabinet meetings with other full ministers.
Additionally, Lowry has confirmed that Canney will attend weekly meetings with government leaders, Micheál Martin of Fianna Fáil and Simon Harris of Fine Gael.
“We’re in this for 5 years… We’re a strong, cohesive, united group,” he tells reporters outside the Dáil.
Independent TDs Kevin ‘Boxer’ Moran will take a junior ministry position in the OPW, while colleague Marian Harkin will be in junior ministry for higher education.
Lowry has also confirmed that Galway West TD Noel Grealish will be a super junior with responsibility for food at the Department of Agriculture, while Seán Canney will have a Minister of State position in the Department of Transport.
“If it doesn’t please some of you, that’s your problem” - Michael Lowry’s response when asked about the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal and his previous controversies.
— Jane Matthews (@janeematthews) January 15, 2025
@thejournal_ie pic.twitter.com/Uk0Won19Fk
Tipperary TD Michael Lowry walks away from the Regional Independent’s press conference after he is asked about the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal and his previous controversies.
Last week, An Garda Síochána confirmed that a file had been sent to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) relating to the findings of the Moriarty Tribunal.
The Tribunal was established in 1997 to examine payments to former Taoiseach Charles Haughey and Lowry, a former Fine Gael Minister for Communications.
The tribunal concluded that Lowry “secured the winning” of the State’s second mobile phone licence for Denis O’Brien’s company, Esat Digifone. Lowry and O’Brien have repeatedly disputed the findings.
“It’s like this,” he says when responding to the question today.
“When you come in here, you can only take your seat in the Dáil if you’ve received a mandate from the democratic electoral process.
“I’ve been elected, I’ve serving my mandate, I’m serving the people who have elected me.
“Unfortunately, if it doesn’t please some of you, that’s your problem – not mine.”
Political correspondent Jane Matthews reports that Lowry claimed the media has been “consumed” with this issue.
He adds that the media has spent the past month “trying to undermine” his position and the mandate he has received from the people of Tipperary.
He said he “enjoys the confidence of the Taoiseach and Tánaiste”.
A statement from Fine Gael leader and incoming Tánaiste Simon Harris, confirming that his party, Fianna Fáil and independent TDs have reached an agreement to form a government has just been published.
Fine Gael’s Simon Harris and Fianna Fáil’s Micheál Martin have welcomed the deal to form the next government “along with the support of a number of independent TDs”, the statement reads.
It confirms that a draft copy of the next programme for government will be presented to each party later this afternoon and members of both political groups will vote to agree to the commitments this weekend.
If agreed, a Taoiseach will be elected when the Dáil returns on 22 January, the statement says.
Since the General Election we have been working night and day to deliver a Programme for Government.
— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) January 15, 2025
Fine Gael went into negotiations to put together a government that can deliver on the issues that matter to you, your family and your community. pic.twitter.com/9Wo1teoqSi
“This Programme for Government is about you – the people of Ireland and it is about securing the future of this great country,” Harris said on X. “It is ambitious on housing, climate, childcare and business supports.”
Fianna Fáil has shared the same statement, confirming that an agreement has been reached with Fine Gael and independent TDs.
A Taoiseach will be elected on 22 January, if the membership of both parties choose to accept the next programme for government.
Statement on the Agreement on the Programme for Government. pic.twitter.com/AEO1uesJS0
— Fianna Fáil (@fiannafailparty) January 15, 2025
We are now awaiting the publication of a draft version of the programme for government, which will be given to members of Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael.
The members will be asked to approve or reject the document at special events this weekend.
It is likely that the draft, which will set out the goals, aims and commitments of the next government, will be published imminently.
Political editor Christina Finn reports that the programme for government will be published around 4.30pm this afternoon.
Fianna Fáil leader Micheál Martin and deputy leader Jack Chambers are currently addressing the parliamentary party.
The draft copy of the programme for government commits to creating 300,000 new jobs building 300,000 new homes by 2030, The Journal can confirm.
The Journal can also confirm that the draft programme for government seeks to reduce the size of primary school classes to a ratio of 19:1.
Keeping with the theme of infrastructure featuring heavily in the document, the next government has also committed to building more schools.
The hot school meals programme will also be expanded and rolled out to more institutions around the country – implementing the scheme in all primary schools by this year.
The incoming government are also seeking to start the rollout of hot school meals in secondary schools.
In healthcare, The Journal can confirm that 4,000 to 4,500 new and refurbished beds will be brought on scheme under the incoming government’s draft plan.
It also plans to prioritise bringing about an increase in recruitment within the HSE of essential frontline staff.
The draft programme for government also plans to reduce the cost of childcare to, an expected, €200 per child, per month and explore options to cap costs for larger families as well.
The incoming government is also prepared to review and increase core funding, so that a fee cap is maintained in the sector.
If you want to have a read of the draft Programme for Government yourself, you’ll find a link to the document here.
Our reporters are currently poring over the draft document for details of the incoming coalition’s plans.
Here are some of the main points from the Justice section, courtesy of Deputy Editor Christine Bohan:
Details from the section on Defence from our News Correspondent Niall O’Connor:
Our news team has spent the last hour poring over the draft programme for government and has confirmed a number of things which have been included in the document.
Parties this weekend will vote to accept or reject the new plan for the next five years.
You can read what The Journal has confirmed so far here.
While every member of our newsroom continues to cherry pick sections of the programme for government, I’m going to pick some of the stand-out bits.
Cherry pick the cherry picks, as one editor just referred to it as.
Here are 10 things the incoming governing is planning to do during its term:
1 – Childcare will be cut and capped at €200 per month, per child
2 – Reduce the number of students in primary school classrooms to meet a 19:1 ratio
3 – Introduce free GP care for all children under 12 years old
4- Recruit 5,000 new gardaí
5 - Deliver 9GW of onshore wind, 8GW solar and at least 5GW of offshore wind
6 - Create a Transport Security Force
7 – Contactless payment for passengers to tap their card to travel on public transport
8 – Create 300,000 new jobs
9 – Build 300,000 new homes
10 - Commit to a health-led approach to drug addiction
We are continuing to look into the finer details of this document, and will bring you the most interesting and important updates as we get them.
I am going to wrap up this afternoon’s liveblog, as we crack on with that work.
Thanks for tuning in and staying with us as we brought you the latest of the programme for government.
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One can only hope the banks recent advertising blitz on every single app imaginable is a positive sign. Would be a real shame if it closes and vomit enducing if that shower of S$!tes PTSB got there hands on it.
They are still filling new positions as of now pointing to a desire to remain.
The last thing this country needs is LESS competition in the banking sector!
We should be encouraging every euro-zone bank to set up operations in Ireland.
KBC was also bailed out in Belgium..
hope they f@ck off and bring my mortgage with them.
You want them to go leaving less banks and less competition so the others can increase fees
@the truth:
They had no problems causing anxiety and worry to tracker mortgage holders who they moved off their trackers and took seven years to admit it.
It not nice to see anybody worried, but they showed no empathy for their customers who they were diddling out of their trackers and then refused to engage with.
I’m finishing it hard to have too much sympathy for KBC .
Me too the truth. I’ll say a prayer :-)
I went from a fixed rate to a tracker Joan & KBC never tried to take it off me. They have been very helpful to me. Obviously it helps that i’m not in negative equity.
if they take my mortgage with them I don’t give a bollix what they leave darren
Amen trisha
@Trisha Tully: that’s good for you. I’m glad.
it doesn’t make the case I’m speaking of any less true.
KBC acted appallingly to the clients and caused considerable anxiety and failed time and again to engage with them, despite having been directed to by the central bank.
They eventually were forced to apologise .
Is it possible to bank in Ireland without state subsidies. AIB have been bailed out twice in 30 years how can other banks compete when they now the two big Irish banks will get a bail out when ever they get in trouble.
Not all banks were bailed. KBC wasn’t.
@Joe
Parent company KBC were bailed out twice in last 8 years, €3.5 billion by the Federal government in 2008 and a further €3.5 billion by the Flemish government in 2009.
KBC Ireland in turn have twice being bailed out by their Belgian parent and is due to start paying a dividend back to the parent in 2017.
KBC Ireland have been bailed out twice from KBC in Belgium via some of the funds from the 2 bailouts given to KBC by Belgium and Flemish governments in 2007 and 2009
They were in just a big a mess as Irush banks.
KBC bank Ireland were bailed out Google it.
NOT BY THE IRISH TAX PAYER. It was funded to set up retail by Belgium.
You are presenting Kellyanne Conway ‘alternative facts’ there, KBC Ireland were bailed out due to the accumulation of losses and write offs on its mortgage books
Kbc is a bond holder. We bailed them out
@Rebecca De Stanleigh: KBC Ireland were bailed out they were bailed out by the Belgian Government and that is 100% fact
@Brendan Crowe: I see your point and you are correct but also the belgian government bailed the irish branch of KBC
That’s already been sorted, in future it’ll be a ‘bail-in’ that saves the bank. Deposits will be hit.
Metro bank in the U.K. And Toronto Dominion in the U.S have done well to penetrate the retail banking markets against large legacy banks…
To succeed they need to be faster to respond to market demands, have a plan to profitability, decent leadership, appeal to young professionals, be more service orientated, more innovative, sell more ancillary products and services, take advantage of technology to provide better services at less cost.
Unfortunately the recent entrants into the Irish market seem to believe they can beat the legacies by offering the exact same products and services for less margins and overspending on advertising.
Neither appealing heavily to students with promotions, taking a loss on services sold to them and relying on a legacy of deposits from high wealth baby boomers will yield success for a new market entrant.
Wow Drew.. what bank do you run with such enlightening thiughts?..
Drew.
KBC are in Ireland since 1978, hardly a new entrant
Yet only entered the Irish retail/consumer banking market in 2012…
Cormac. You article is full of rubbish.
Get your facts right Rebecca !!!!
My facts are right. Thanks though
The bubble is about to burst again.
If state/public keep bailing banks out it begs the question of why they are not in public ownership full time and their profits used for the public good.
If a bank has 600 million net profit in Q4, who gets that money?
We should not be bailing out banks, we should be purchasing shares.
While it’s no guarantee, currently analysts (Deutsche Bank) suggest they will be staying. The bank is profitable, the recently expanded credit connections between the parent and subsidiary would make a split difficult, and while they can’t comment on the future of operations here till 9th February, they did say that (group-wide) there were no pending mergers or acquisitions.
Deutsche itself exited 10 countries recently… Argentina, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Uruguay Denmark, Finland, Norway, Malta and New Zealand. HSBC and Barclays performed similar pull backs.
Profitability is no assurance of a bank remaining in a foreign market, especially in retail banking.
KBC should be nationalised. If you need to ask why, then you obviously do not understand how the economy works. Solidarity with the workers trying to obtain a greater share in the wealth which they create.
@Benjy ..please explain how the Irish government nationalises a Belgium owned bank with a branch’s here ?
Bye bye
I have been warning about the terrible poverty facing Irish neighbors. The figures simply don’t add up. Take subsidies out of farming and the whole thing collapses. We will soon have the highest electricity prices in the world and carbon taxes on burning fuel. Jobs will go , poverty is the result. I makes me cringe
#kbc
I hope my husband isn’t reading this today…who knows what i might say!
#BANKOFME
have your say