Labour Election Manifesto 2011

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Manifesto2011


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Labours manifesto 2011

www.labour.ie/manifesto

ContentsForeword 2

Labours Action Plan for Ireland 4

Jobs 701 Finance and Banking: A Better Deal for Ireland 802 Fiscal Stability, Investment and Competitiveness 1203 Enterprise and Innovation 1804 A New Deal for Jobseekers 2305 Growing the Green Economy 2606 Infrastructure for the 21st Century 3007 Growing Jobs in Food, Agriculture and Fisheries 3408 Growing Jobs in Tourism 37

Reform 4109 Reforming Politics 42

10 Reforming Government 4511 Reforming Public Service 4912 Reforming Social Protection 5213 Reforming Policing and Justice 55

Fairness 5914 Fairness in Education 6015 Labours Plan for Fair Health Care 6416 Making Homes Matter 6817 One Ireland for Children, Families & Older People 7218 A Fairer and More Equal Ireland 7619 Culture, Sport and the Arts 8020 Foreign Affairs, the EU and Northern Ireland 85


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Foreword The Irish people have ahistoric choice before them.Together, on polling day, wecan vote to change the directionof our country.

Ireland is a great country, with a great future. It isalso a country with grave problems. But nobody,and especially ourselves, should ever doubt whatwe are capable of. Our abilities are far greater then

our problems.


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We can, and we will get throughthis recession. We can, and we will,get our country on the road torecovery, creating jobs and forgingopportunities for our future. We can,and we will, change the way thiscountry is run and x the systemthat is broken.

Our countrys best days are stillto come.

It is not enough to wish for a betterfuture. We have to grasp it and workfor it and on polling day we have tocome together and decide on change.

That is what this election is all about.Real, transformative change that canbring about the kind of Ireland wewant to live in, not just for ourselves,for our children as well.

Change is nothing new for mostIrish people today. Most people havealready had to change their ownlives, out of necessity. They havehad to cope with job losses,reduced incomes, and reducedliving standards.

Now we have the opportunity totake control of that change, and totake back our future.

For the rst time ever in the 90 year history of this State, we canelect a government which is led byneither Fianna Fil nor Fine Gael.For the rst time people have a realalternative to elect a governmentled by Labour.

This is not simply a choice of partylabel. It is a choice about the futuredirection of our country.

Only Labour can lead that change. Achange of government, and a changein the way government works. Achange in the way governmentthinks. A change that brings the realconcerns of the people to the heart

of government.

Real, transformative changethat can bring about thekind of Ireland we want tolive in, not just for ourselves, for our children as well

Labour will ght this election on threeissues that go to the heart of Irelandschallenge: jobs, reform, and fairness.

Throughout this crisis, Labour hasinsisted that jobs must be at theheart of what government is doing.Labour is the party of work, and aLabour-led government will have jobs at the top of its agenda. Wewill work to provide skills and workexperience opportunities for thosewithout work. We will work todevelop new opportunities throughtrade and innovation, nding newmarkets, and new goods and services

to sell in them. We will work on thebasis that every single job counts.

Labour is the party of reform.For generations, in and out ofgovernment, Labour has championedprogressive change in Ireland. Now,once again, we are determined tolead a new wave of change, to x abroken system that has failed theIrish people.

Labour is the party to reform politicsbecause we have the best trackrecord on reform. Labour is the Partyto reform our public services becausewe believe in the value of publicservice, and what its potential is.

Labour is the party of fairness. Wehave led the way in showing howthe two-tier health system is bad forall of us, and how it can be xed. Wehave lead the way in demanding fair

taxation. Alone among the politicalparties, we will make literacy, not justa policy objective but a national cause.

Labours vision is the vision of OneIreland, where we are driven by whatunites us, not what divides us. Ourcountry is too small, and our problemsare too great, to indulge in divisions,or solo-runs, or sectional interests.

This is not the time for division or forthe politics of pitting one group ofIrish people against another. This isthe moment we must come together,and move forward together le chile.

Government is not a hospitality tent,roped off for VIPs. Government isnot a Big House shielded from thepeople by high walls. Governmentis not the business of the insiders, itis the business of us all. Its time toroll up the tent, and put the concernsof the people at the heart ofgovernment. That is the belief thathas driven the Labour Party since itsfoundation, right up to today. Labouris ready to put that belief into action.

One Ireland. Private sector and publicsector. Those with jobs and thoselooking for work. Employers andemployees. Rural and urban. Gayand straight. Now is the time to pulldown the walls that stand betweenthe people and their government.Now is the time for Labour.

Eamon Gilmore TD


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Labours Action Plan for Ireland


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JOB


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01 The fir T Tep Renegotiate the EU/IMF Deal to re-focus ongrowth and job creation

Bank Bondholders should share in bank losses

Renegotiate the interest rate on the EU loans

Renegotiate the scal strategy to promotegrowth and fairness

Ensure an adequate ow of credit to the Irisheconomy



Finance and Banking: A Better Deal for Ireland Time f r changeIreland faces a profound economic crisis, butwhile we have serious problems, we also havemajor economic advantages. With the right

policies the economy can create jobs andreturn our country to prosperity.

Jobs


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Labour does not accept that the EU/IMF deal provides a workable basis forrestoring the Irish economy. Labour ingovernment will engage with the EUand the IMF to renegotiate the deal,so as to achieve fair and realistic termsfor Ireland and for the Irish people.

re T re The Bankingy Tem

The EU/IMF deal provides funding tosupport a process of downsizing andrestructuring in the Irish bankingsystem, so as to restore internationalcon dence and ensure that the

system can fund itself i.e. thatthe banks will be able to functionwithout support from the ECB.Labour will apply the followingprinciples to the restructuring anddown-sizing of the banks:

Labour believes that bankbondholders should share inbank losses. Depositors mustbe fully protected. Labour willseek to ensure that burdensharing with bondholders is

part of a renegotiated deal. Labour will insist that an

adequate pool of credit isavailable to fund small andmedium-sized businesses inthe real economy during there-structuring and down-sizing programme.

Labour will ensure that, at theend of the process, a strong

and robust banking systemexists that will serve the needsof the real Irish economy. The

banks will have to providedetailed plans on how thiswill be achieved, includingthe number of SME lenders tobe involved in achieving thetargets, how many new SMEclients will a bank achieve, andhow much will be focused ontoexisting clients.

Labour will seek to agree moreeffective alternatives to thetransfer of further portfoliosof smaller property loans toNAMA (NAMA2), given thedif culties this will create in

the management of such loan-books.

Labour is opposed to furtherre-sales of bank assets whichimpose greater losses thannecessary. We do not supportthe NAMA3 asset warehousingproposal as a solution that canbe implemented in a timelymanner. Labour will explore alloptions to minimise the costof re-structuring, includingasset insurance models, andto increase the availabilityof affordable funding to thebanking system in the interimperiod to provide the realeconomy with credit.

Labour will seek to disposeof the public stakes in thebanks as soon as possible atthe best possible return to thetaxpayer. Labour believes thata restructured banking systemshould include a specialist state-owned, but strictly independent,investment bank, focused onfunding investment to supportthe strategic needs of the Irisheconomy, including projectnance for infrastructure andgrowth capital for rms. Such abank would be capitalised fromthe funds remaining in theNPRF and should form an on-

going part of the nancialsystem in Irelands open andinnovative economy.

Labour will insist that anadequate pool of credit isavailable to fund small and medium-sized businesses


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Labour will insist on re-structuring of bank boards,to ensure replacement ofdirectors who presided overfailed lending practices.Labour will ensure that theregulator has suf cientpowers of pre-approval ofbank directors and seniorexecutives.

Tr ng, c herenTdeci i n-makingEffective decision making in thisprocess demands better decision-

making structures, in contrast tothe fragmented and sometimescontradictory approach thathas been in evidence during thecrisis to date. Labour will create astrong integrated decision-makingstructure, which while respectingthe statutory roles of the differentagencies, will incorporate allrelevant agencies, with effectiveinclusion of appropriate advice, ledby senior Ministers.

geTTing value f r TheTaxpayer fr m namaLabour has been consistentlyopposed to the NAMA project,because it presented anunacceptably high and irreversiblerisk to the taxpayer. Labour ingovernment will seek to curtail anyfurther transfers of assets to NAMA,and will seek alternative solutionsto the transfer of large portfolios of

smaller property loans.Effective operations and decisionmaking by NAMA are critical tothe future of the Irish economy, inrespect both of curtailing lossesto the State, and in ensuring thatthe property market in Irelandfunctions normally. The prices atwhich assets are sold by NAMAis critical. Labour will also insiston the highest standards oftransparency in the operation ofNAMA, and will work to limit thecosts associated with the agency

such as in respect of professionalfees. Labour will insist on thefullest recovery of losses from thedevelopers whose loans have beentransferred to NAMA and who donot meet their obligations.

never againIrelands banking crisis clearlydemonstrates how Fianna Filsphilosophy of free-for-all, light-touch regulation, without properchecks and balances risks social andeconomic catastrophe.

Labour will restore the soundnessand credibility of the Irish bankingsector so that it can again play itsvaluable social and economic role asafe haven for savings, a facilitatorof payments, a responsible lenderfor productive investment andimportant family purchases.

In the future, regulation must bebased not only on sound principles,but on clear, enforceable rulesbacked up by stringent oversightand sanctions where necessary. TheCentral Bank should be charged withmonitoring balance sheet growthat nancial institutions under its jurisdiction, and in the nancialsystem as a whole, and on thesustainability of the funding mix,reporting annually to the Ministerfor Finance and recommendingremedial action if necessary.

Once the banks are put on a sound

footing, efforts should be made toaccelerate a move to the Basel III

regime with more onerous capitaland reporting requirements.

Long before the most recent bankingcrisis, Irish banks established atrack record on over-charging theircustomers. Irish consumers need areinforced watchdog with real teethand the will to take on the bankers.Fianna Fil have hived off theconsumer protection function of theFinancial Regulator to the NationalConsumer Agency. It is essentialthat its quasi-judicial role in termsof investigating wrongdoingsand imposing sanctions is not

watered down.

Enhanced coordination is neededbetween the Financial ServicesOmbudsman, the Of ce of theDirector of Corporate Enforcement,the National Consumer Agency, andthe Head of Financial Regulation atthe Central Bank. There should be aone-stop-shop portal for consumerswith issues with nancial serviceproviders rather than having tonavigate these myriad bodies.

paying f r The cri iOver time, the banking sector mustpay a fair contribution to cleaning upthe mess for which it is responsible.When the Irish banking systemhas been put back on its feet, fullyrecapitalised, and able to accessinterbank markets, Labour willintroduce a bank levy based on thesize of a banks liabilities (other than

shareholders capital).

Labour will insist on the fullest recovery of losses from thedevelopers whose loans have

been transferred to NAMA


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pecial re luTi n regimef r failed BankBecause of the important role thatbanks play in the wider economy,they cannot just be wound up in thesame way as other businesses whenthey are bankrupt. This should notmean, however, that taxpayers areon the hook for banks debts. Irelandshould work with our EuropeanPartners to develop a comprehensivenew Special Resolution Regimethat ensures protection ofbanks depositors, but allows forappropriate burden sharing with

other creditors. an end T B nu culTureBonuses in the nancial sector havegrown out of all proportion withtheir social and economic value andhave encouraged risk-taking that isultimately borne by the taxpayer.All remuneration schemes at bankssubject to state support shouldundergo a fundamental review toensure an alignment of interest

between banks, their staff and thetaxpayers who have borne such aheavy burden to keep them open.

regi nal enTerpri e fundOpportunities should be explored(for instance through JEREMIE,run by the EIF) for the launch of aRegional Investment Fund by re-focusing some of our remainingstructural funds which have yet tobe drawn down from Brussels. Thiswould be a revolving fund where themoney can be re-invested.geTTing crediT fl wing Tmall & family Bu ine e

Across Ireland, viable, pro table,well-run businesses are going tothe wall because they cant accesscredit. Labour will introduce an SMEWorking Capital Guarantee Schemewhich would ensure that viablesmall and family businesses can get

the loans they need.

a Tr ng muTual andcrediT uni n ecT rLabour is committed to maintaininga mutual and community componentin our nancial system. Irelandscredit unions have a rich traditionand a track record of providing loansin communities and workplacesacross the country. The credit unionmovement has an important roleto play in Irelands future nancialarchitecture and the movementdeserves support in its endeavoursto increasingly modernise andprofessionalise the sector. This willinvolve a fair and impartial review ofcredit union regulation.

inquiry inT The BlankeTBank guaranTeeThe blanket bank guarantee wasthe most disastrous policy decisionin the history of the state. Labourwill insist that a full and properinvestigation into this decision andthe events leading up to itis completed and that there arepublic hearings by the relevantOireachtas Committee.

addre ing financialexclu i nLabour is committed to tacklingthe problem of nancial exclusionthrough measures such as theintroduction of basic bank accounts.We also believe that a newpartnership should be sought toprovide banking services throughthe Post Of ce Network.

The fuTure f The if cLabour supports the futuredevelopment of the IFSC as asource of future growth in highvalue employment, subject toappropriate regulation, includingthe development of Green nancialservices and Islamic banking.

Labour will insist on a full

and proper investigation intothe blanket bank guarantee


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Jobs

02 The fir T Tep Extend the deadline for achieving the 3% ofGDP de cit target to 2016

Implement a net adjustment of 7.1 billion inthe period 2012-2014

A fair and balanced approach to achievingsavings

A new strategic approach to achieve betterpublic spending

Establish a Strategic Investment Bank toinvest in the Irish economy using resources inthe National Pension Reserve Fund

Fiscal Stability, Investment And CompetitivenessTime f r changeLabour believes that the growth forecasts in theFour-Year Plan are broadly achievable, provided thatthe right policies are put in place. Ireland can achieve

high export growth, and see a return to growth inthe more job-intensive domestic economy.

The Fiscal Strategy set out in the EU/IMF deal, however, involves excessiveausterity, which will put growthand job creation at risk. Labouris proposing a strategy that willmaximise investment and growth.


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therefore seek to renegotiate thescal strategy in the IMF/EU deal.

laB ur pri riTie f r Thefi cal year 2011In respect of the scal year 2011,Labour will negotiate with the EUand the IMF to ensure that adequateresources are available in 2011 tofund key jobs strategies and reformsin the health sector. We believe thesefunds should be provided from cashbalances, and not through furtherexpenditure cuts.

It is clear that the Universal SocialCharge was not properly thoughtthrough, and that it is having adramatic impact on the incomesof many families. The charge hasbeen introduced at a time whenother taxes are increasing, as wellas household bills like VHI fees. Thisis causing particular hardship tosome families, including workingwidows and elderly people. Labourwill conduct a detailed review of theimpact of the USC to identify thefamilies that have been hardest hit,and will reform the tax accordingly.We will fund these changes byextending the 10% rate of USC onincomes over 100,000 to includeemployees incomes over 100,000,and by changes to capital taxes.

fi cal TraTegy f r2012 2014Labour proposes a net scal

adjustment in 2012-2014 of 7.1billion, so as to allow adequateroom for jobs and recovery. Labourwill complete the reduction in thede cit to below 3% of GDP by nolater than 2016.

Labour believes that the compositionof the adjustment should be fairerand more balanced, including fairertaxation and on-going investmentin education and other vital services,which are essential to social solidarityand to long-term economic growth.

en uring fi cal TaBiliTy and gr wThAs a result of the mismanagementof the economy by Fianna Fil,Ireland is dependent on the IMF/EUloan facility to fund the scal de cit.Labour has consistently supportedthe objective of restoring scalstability, in line with our obligationsas a member of the Eurozone, andas a necessary requirement foreconomic stability and long-rungrowth. Labour does not accept,however, that the scal strategydevised by the discredited Fianna

Fil government and includedin the EU/IMF deal provides abasis for economic recovery or formaximising long-term growth. Inparticular, the excessive austerityin the Fianna Fil plan, endorsed byFine Gael, poses an unacceptablerisk to economic recovery.

Labour believes that the average

GDP growth rate set out in the four- year plan is achievable, providedthat pro-growth policies areadopted. These include action toenhance competitiveness, to ensureadequate ows of credit, to promoteinvestment and an appropriate scalstrategy. The Fianna Fil/Fine Gaelausterity programme does not allowsuf cient room for economic growthand employment creation. Thescale and nature of the cuts beingproposed also pose risks to mediumand long-term economic growthand to social cohesion. Labour will

Labour does not accept that

the scal strategy devised by the discredited Fianna Fil government provides a basis for economic recovery


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reductions in the number of paidchairs of Oireachtas Committeesand abolition of the Oireachtasallowance paid to Ministerswho have constituency of cesstaffed by civil servants. Labour isproposing reform in the transportarrangements for Ministersincluding a reduction in the numberof Garda drivers.

The arrangements for Ministerialpensions and severance packageshave rightly been the cause of publicoutrage. Labour will ensure that infuture these arrangements are set byan independent person, such as theComptroller and Auditor General.

reducing The puBlicervice pay Bill

As part of the process of scalconsolidation, it is necessary toreduce the public service pay bill. Ourproposals are based on a reduction

of 18,000 in public service numbersin the period 2011-2014. Publicemployment ceilings will be re-assessed during the ComprehensiveSpending Review and Waste Audit toensure that the maximum savingsare being achieved and that frontlineservices are being protected.

Labour will work the Croke ParkAgreement. It is essential that theagreement should result in savingsto the Exchequer and that the paceof implementation of the Agreementbe accelerated.

TraTegic expendiTure

pri riTieIn order to achieve recovery andreform, it will be necessary tore-allocate resources to areasof strategic priority. This meansachieving more savings in order tore-invest in reform and development.Labours adjustment proposalsprovide for resources to fund a 500million annual jobs package. As partof Labours health strategy, the costof providing health care in Ireland

will be driven down, with 489million being provided to ensure amajor shift towards primary care.Additional resources will be providedin key areas of education andcriminal justice to drive reform.

fair TaxaTi n 2012-2014Labour has long argued for a fair andbalanced tax structure in Ireland andwe will seek to renegotiate the EU/IMF deal to achieve this objective.It is an important principle oftaxation that those who have themost, must contribute the most, andthat revenue-raising must beginwith reform, rather than constantlydelaying it as Fianna Fil have done.

Labour does not support furtherimpositions of income tax on peopleon middle and modest incomes inthe period 2012-2014. We propose noincreases in income tax for people

earning less than 100,000. Wewill extend the 10% USC rate toemployee incomes over 100,000.

Labour will insert a new provisionin the tax code to ensure that highearners (tax units with incomesover 250,000) must comply witha Minimum Effective Tax Rate to beset at 30%. This will impose a fairrestriction on the capacity of highearners to reduce their tax billsthrough tax planning.

Labour in government introducedthe 12.5% corporation pro ts tax rate,and we will insist that it remainsin place. Reforms to the regimefor off-setting corporate lossesagainst Corporation Tax can be

adopted to increase the yield fromthe tax without affecting Irelandsattractiveness as a location forinward investment.

Labour will prioritise the eliminationof unnecessary tax expenditures, aswe have been proposing for many years. These include the legacyproperty reliefs, and phasing downof the amount of interest that can beoffset against rental income for taxpurposes to 25%.

Labour believes that the totalquantum of tax relief currentlyin place for pensions is nolonger supportable, and that thedistribution of relief at present is notfair or equitable. Labour will target afurther reduction of 500 million inthe total amount of relief, but ratherthan simply standardising the rateof relief, Labour favours an approachthat retains strong incentives forpeople to invest in pensions whilealso making the system fairer. Thiswill include capping the tax reliefon pension contributions from bothemployers and employees, reducingthe maximum tax-free lump sum,reducing the maximum pensionfund and including pension tax reliefin the minimum effective tax rate.

Labour favours the introductionof new progressive structures for

Capital Taxes. In respect of CapitalGains Tax and Capital AcquisitionsTax, the rst 50,000 over the

Labour will conduct a

Comprehensive SpendingReview and Waste Audit that will examine all areasof public expenditure


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threshold will be taxed at 30% andthe balance at 35%. These measureswill raise 236 million in a full year.The change in Capital AcquisitionsTax will be introduced in 2011 tonance changes in the UniversalSocial Charge.

Labour believes that appropriate taxrules have a role to play in protectingour environment. Labour willincrease the carbon tax to 25 pertonne, with an offset of 40 millionto fund fuel poverty measures.Labour supports a broadly basedtax on packaging as proposed by

Comhar that will raise 60 million.Labour is proposing a 1% increasein the standard rate of VAT that willraise 310 million in a full year.Labours proposals include modestincreases in excise on wine andcigarettes. Labour will prioritiseaction to reduce losses to theExchequer from smuggling throughstronger revenue enforcement.

Labour accepts that it will benecessary to introduce a site valuecharge, in order to prevent highertaxes on work. The Government hasnot, however, carried out suf cientwork to allow such a charge to beintroduced in the short-term. Furtherdetailed study will be required todevise a fair basis for such a chargethat takes account of the value ofproperty in different regions, theneed to exempt some categoriesof homeowners, and the need totake account of those who haverecently paid large sums in stampduty or who are in negative equity.Any charge of this sort, therefore,cannot be set in place before 2014.Accordingly, Labour will publish aGreen Paper by the end of 2012 onhow the charge can be structuredin a fair and ef cient manner. Asan interim measure, Labour willincrease the second homes levy by 300 to yield 95 million.

Labour will insist on action beingtaken to deal with the scandalof tax exiles, and we will furtherstrengthen revenue action to reducetax-evasion.

inve Ting in J B creaTi nThroughout the crisis, Labour hasbeen clear that cuts alone will notsolve the problem. Ireland needs astrategy for jobs and growth, andthe lack of action on jobs has madethe crisis in the public nances and

in the banks even worse. Whiledif cult decisions are needed, wealso need a strategy to grow ourway out of our predicament.

Despite the nancial crisis at homeand abroad, we are living in a periodof opportunity for the Irish economy.In the advanced economies, economicgrowth is now increasingly drivenby what is known as the knowledgeeconomy, with new technologiesdriving economic growth bothin knowledge-intensive sectors,and more widely across the wholeeconomy. At the same time, theglobal trading system is expanding,and the emerging economies such asChina and India present enormousopportunities for Irish companies.Export growth in Ireland is picking up,and competitiveness has improved.What we need now is a coherentstrategy to take advantage of theopportunities that are available to us.

laB ur J B fund

Labours scal strategy providesfor a 500 million Jobs Fundto nance a series of pro-jobsinitiatives that involve elementsof current expenditure. The fundwould be administered by a Cabinetsub-committee. Proposals fromDepartments, agencies and otherbodies, including the private sector,would be considered on the basisof their contribution to an overall jobs strategy and would be funded

accordingly. The agencies thusfunded would not be immune frommaking ef ciencies in their budgets funding from the Jobs Fund wouldbe dependent on demonstratedadditionality to existing operations.

TraTegic inve TmenTTo achieve growth, the Fianna Filcasino economy must be replacedwith by the investment economy.The Irish banking system has notprovided the kind of investmentnance that is required to meetIrelands investment needs. Toll the gap, Labour is proposingthe establishment of a StrategicInvestment Bank.

The Strategic Investment Bank willbe established in two phases. Itwill be set up initially as a vehicleto invest the remaining fundsin the National Pension Reserve

Fund in projects that will enhanceinfrastructure and boost growthin the Irish economy. It will be fully

Labour will take action to deal

with the scandal of tax exiles,and will further strengthenrevenue action to reducetax evasion


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independent and will invest on acommercial basis.

Over time, and when marketconditions normalise, this vehiclewill be developed into a functioningbank that takes deposits and raiseslong term nancing. Labour believesthat the Strategic Investment Bankshould be an essential componentof the re-structured banking system.The bank would be set up as anindependent commercial operation,using 2 billion of the NationalPension Reserve Fund as capital.It would operate on a strict arms-

length basis from government. Irishcitizens and the Irish Diaspora wouldbe encouraged to make deposits inthe bank, and to purchase CitizensBonds, which would be a way toinvest in the recovery of the Irisheconomy, and would be of differentmaturities. The bank would attractfunding from a number of sources,including consumer deposits andwholesale markets (once marketconditions normalise).

The Strategic Investment Bankwould be a key lender to SMEs andinnovative rms. The EnterpriseAgencies would develop relationshipswith the Strategic Investment Bankto facilitate introductions of high-potential rms. Investment decisions,however, would remain the exclusivepreserve of the bank. The StrategicInvestment Bank would also supportinvestment in large infrastructureprojects.

impr ving c mpeTiTiveneCompetitiveness has improvedduring the past three years, butwe need to ensure that, as growthreturns, these gains are not eroded.In particular, it is important thatcosts in the protected sectors ofthe economy do not underminethe capacity of the traded sector tocompete. To maintain and enhancecompetitiveness, Labour is proposingthe following measures:

Wage PolicyLabour believes that negotiatedwage policies can potentially be animportant tool of macroeconomicpolicy in a small open economy. Wewill explore options for developingsuch an agreement, which mayinclude national and/or sectoralwage norms. Labour believes thatinvestment and job creation canbe enhanced through structuredmultiannual agreements thatincorporate wage restraint.

Wage competitiveness shouldnot be confused with a low wage

agenda. Labour is opposed to thereduction in the minimum wageagreed by Fianna Fil with theEuropean Union and the IMF andwe will reverse it. The nationalminimum wage affects fewer than3% of the work force, who are onthe lowest rung of the labour forceladder. Labour will reform the JLCsystem, but this cannot be used asthe basis to undermine the rightsand conditions of employment ofvulnerable workers.

Competition PolicyLabour will support robustcompetition policy and enforcement.We support structural reform in theprofessions to drive down the costbase for the traded sector.

Utilities RegulationLabour will enhance the quality andeffectiveness of utilities regulationin Ireland. We favour a properlyplanned consolidation of the numberof regulators, to make more effectiveuse of regulatory skills. Labour willretain the Competition Authority asa separate entity.

Labour believes that the Strategic Investment Bank should be anessential component of there-structured banking system


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Jobs

The fir T Tep

Use Labourss 500 million jobs fund to growemployment in sectors where Ireland alreadyhas a competitive advantage

Make the strategic decision to target thedevelopment of new markets for Ireland in theemerging economies

Appoint a trade czar to co-ordinate actionacross government in opening these fastgrowing markets

Plug the gap in our national system ofinnovation by investing to turn new scienti cadvances into jobs

Create innovation centres focused oncommercialisation of research

03

Enterprise and InnovationTime f r changeTo achieve economic growth and job creation, the Irisheconomy must shift from a property-based economyto a knowledge economy. We need to carve out new

markets, and develop new products to sell in them.Ireland has an open and entrepreneurial economy withmultiple natural and developed competitive advantages.

We need a government that will helpthat economy to grow by driving trade,innovation and productivity growth.


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a new appr ach TenTerpri e p licyCompetitiveness and productivitygains which generated strong export-led growth formed the basis for theCeltic Tiger from 1994 to 2002. Weneed a renewal of this strategy inorder to create the foundations forfuture economic and employmentgrowth. However the previousblueprint will have to change.

New economic realities, the imperativeto decarbonise our economy, and theneed to develop a new generation of

export champions will require a resetin our trade and enterprise policy.Labour will place a much strongeremphasis on the promotion ofservices exports, including software,engineering, nancial services,education and culture.

To support the development ofexporting SMEs, we will seek

reform of EU procurement rules sothat a greater portion of all publicprocurement goes to small andmedium sized enterprises.

We will promptly implement all therecommendations in the Tradingand Investing in the Smart EconomyReport. In particular, we will establisha Trade Council to strengthencooperation and coordination acrossall of the key departments and Stateagencies involved in the promotionand development of trade andexports. Membership of the Council

will be divided equally betweengovernment and private sectorrepresentatives who have experiencein establishing and growing export-oriented business both in Irelandand abroad.

We will appoint a high pro leTrade and Enterprise czar towork with in tandem with theTrade Council, who will be able todraw on full diplomatic and civilservice resources and who willreport directly to the Minister forEnterprise and the Taoiseach.

A key pillar of Labours newenterprise strategy will be toposition Ireland to develop bettertrade relationships with the risingeconomies of Brazil, Russia, India ,and China.

Labour will establish a local tradeand investment team reportingto the local Irish Ambassador orHead of Mission and the Ministerfor Enterprise in each of the targetemerging countries and otherpriority markets. These teams willexecute a detailed local marketplan, with progress against targetsreviewed annually.

At home, Labour in government willdraw on the economic strengths andconnections of Irelands immigrantcommunities by appointing arepresentative from each of the BRICSand other strategic markets residentin Ireland as trade champions for theirrespective countries, reporting to boththe Trade Council and the Minister forEnterprise. Trade champions will havea mission of promoting trade to andfrom Ireland and will be supported bythe Department of Enterprise.

Labour will take initiatives to deepeneducational cooperation with theemerging economies, nanced fromLabours Jobs Fund.

Labour will establisha Trade Council tostrengthen cooperationand coordination across key departments


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an inn vaTi nTraTegy agency

Innovation is the single mostimportant factor in the transition toa sustainable investment economy.While Ireland has a number ofkey strengths in this area, suchas high quality scienti c researchinstitutions, scientists and engineers,our innovation system has a numberof de ciencies. Labours plan forinnovation is directly aimed ataddressing these weaknesses, whilebuilding on our existing strengths.

Labour will subsume the currentactivities and functions of Forfas, theInnovation Taskforce, the AdvisoryCouncil for Science,Technology andInnovation and the SustainableEnergy Authority into a newly-established Innovation StrategyAgency an independent agency withinthe IDA / Enterprise Ireland structure,whose role will be to stimulatetechnology-enabled innovation in theareas which offer the greatest scopefor boosting growth and productivity.

Labours Innovation Strategy Agencywill promote and support investmentin technology research, developmentand commercialisation beyond thebasic research supported by ScienceFoundation Ireland, as well as advisinggovernment on how to removebarriers to innovation and acceleratethe exploitation of new technologies.

The majority of the members of

the board of the ISA will be drawnfrom industry and nance fromboth Ireland and abroad withexperience of technology changeand innovation.

The Innovation Strategy Agencywill focus its work by targeting keytechnology areas and sectors whereinnovation can be applied includingbut not limited to high valuemanufacturing, advanced materials,nanotechnology, bioscience,electronics, photonics and electricalsystems and information andcommunication technology.

The ISA will also focus on theapplication of technologicalinnovation in established sectors ofthe economy like energy generationand supply, transport, creativeindustries, high-value services andarchitecture and constructionby identifying challenges,establishing priorities anddeveloping strategies which specifythe necessary actions to transitionto a more innovative approach.

The ISA will promote Irelands fullengagement with the InnovativeUnion proposals issued by the

European Commission in October2010 as one of the seven agshipinitiatives under the EU2020Strategy, with the speci c aim ofrefocusing R&D and innovationpolicy on major challenges and atturning inventions into products.

Turning re earchinT J BThere is a critical gap betweenthe basic research promoted andfunded by Science FoundationIreland and third level institutions,and its subsequent developmentinto a commercial opportunityfor investors. This gap can only beclosed by making new technologiesinvestment ready.

The Innovation Strategy Agencywill be tasked with closing thisgap through the establishment ofa network of Technology Research

Centres focused on appliedtechnological research in speci careas, to be linked to appropriatehigher-education institutions.The centres will accelerate theexploitation of new technologies byproviding infrastructure that bridgesthe gap between research andtechnology commercialisation.

The establishment of these centreswill build on the approach already

adopted with the Tyndall Centre onICT and the International EnergyResearch Centre (IERC) in UCC where

government, industry and academicspartner to focus on applied researchthat will lead to concrete results andcommercial applications.

In order to promote Irelands stronghistorical tradition in science andtechnology for the next generationof scientists, each centre will benamed after a renowned Irishscientist such as Robert Boyle, ErnestWalton, Jocelyn Bell Burnell orKathleen Lonsdale.

Initially these centres will be fundedin a three-way split between the ISA,

competitive grants, and contractswith private companies. Over time,the centres will be expected tosupplement their core funding bygaining further income from publicand private sector contract research,and through the commercialisationof intellectual property.

The ISA will initially establish threeadditional centres building onTyndall and the IERC focusing onbiotechnology, nanotechnology andhigh value manufacturing. Furthercentres from a number of otherareas will be selected subsequently.

The Innovation Research Centres willalso be in a position to play a roleas anchor tenants in more broadly-based Science and Technology Parksthat will attract private rms in thespeci c research area.

ecT ral J B TraTegieAs well as creating the conditions forinnovation and export-led growth,Labour is proposing a number ofsectoral strategies, which build onIrelands existing strengths. Laboursproposals for growing employmentin tourism, the green economy, theagri-food sector and in the educationsector are outlined elsewhere inthis manifesto. Other sectors withspeci c targets include:


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Labours plan for Creative Industries Establish common IP

agreements across the digitalmedia sector and third levelinstitutions.

Support the developmentof an International ContentServices Centre to makeIreland a world leader inthe management ofintellectual property.

Merge the functions ofCulture Ireland and CulturalProjects into the ArtsCouncil, which will be givenan expanded mandate topromote Irish arts abroad.

Extend the R&D tax credit tothe games industry in order toattract game developers andgrow the game sectorin Ireland.

Ensure Ireland fully engagesin the debate arising from theforthcoming (2011) EuropeanCommission Communicationon Cultural and CreativeIndustries. This Communicationshould include proposals topromote creative studies,attract investment and providefunding for artists, and toestablish networkswith businesses andimprove mobility.

Labours plan for Internet ervices &Cloud Computing Continue to market Ireland

as an EMEA headquarterslocation for internet servicescompanies.

Pursue an aggressive policy ofattracting international datacentres to Ireland, leveragingthe appropriateness ofour climate and energyand communicationsinfrastructure.

Establish an expert groupto address new security andprivacy issues arising fromthe use of cloud computingand review the adequacyof current legislation andidentify what steps need to betaken to ensure a supportiveregulatory environment.

Introduce a policy that all

government departmentsand agencies will adoptcloud based services if theydemonstrate value for moneyand are adequately secure.

Actively encourage newbusinesses that are cloud-focused.

Review broadband pricingand policies of commercialand other providers to ensurethat any obstacles to theadoption of cloud computingare removed.

Innovation Strategy Agency tocreate and fund a programmeto actively encourage theuse of cloud computingthroughout all sectors.

Labours plan to sustain theretail sector

Enact the Labour Partyslegislation to abolish upward-only rent reviews for allcommercial leases, as a matterof urgent priority for the Dil.

In the interim, appoint

a Commercial RentsOmbudsman with somepowers currently onlygranted to an Examiner. ThisOmbudsman would havethe power to adjudicate onrents that have the potentialto cause a business to fail,without undertaking a costlycourt process.

Reform the Joint LabourCommittee structure,beginning with theappointment of independentchairpersons to the JLCs.

Retain the existing RetailPlanning Guidelines andmaintain the retailplanning cap.

Encourage local authorities tointroduce differentiated, time-limited rates to facilitate newbusiness start-ups.

Labours Innovation Strategy

Agency will promote & support investment in technology research, development &commercialisation


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upp rT f r meThere are approximately 230,000SMEs operating in Ireland,

representing the backbone ofthe Irish economy. SMEs areconfronted by a series of obstacles,most notably working capital,but also access to venture capital,complicated bureaucracy, andinsuf cient resourcing of thepatent process. Labours bankingpolicy is focused on ensuring anadequate supply of capital forSMEs, including a working capitalguarantee scheme, and greateraccess to venture capital throughLabours Strategic Investment Bank.The Innovation Strategy Agencywill work to up-grade the patentprocess, while the streamlining ofbureaucracy will be addressed on across-departmental basis.

c - peraTiveCo-operatives, friendly societies andmutual companies are a legitimateand valued part of the Labour

tradition. In Ireland the co-operativemovement has played a hugelyimportant role in key areasof economic, environmentaland social development.

However, in comparison to othercountries, the role of the co-operativeand mutual company in Ireland islimited. In many other countries newco-operative models of enterprisehave emerged and are meeting vitalsocial, business and environmentalneeds and creating worthwhile jobsin important areas such as healthcare,transport, childcare, housing,energy and energy ef ciency andenvironmental protection.

Labour in government will work topromote a greater appreciation ofthe co-operative model as a distinctform of organisation, ensure a levelplaying eld between co-operativesand the other legal options for

structuring enterprise activities, andprovide a conducive framework forthe full potential of the co-operative

model to be realised, including inareas such as childcare, education,housing, energy retro tting,environmental protection, transportand healthcare.

emi- TaTe c mpanieLabour is committed to concept ofpublic enterprise, and is determinedto ensure that semi-state companiesplay a full role in the recovery of theIrish economy. Labour is opposed toshort-termist privatisation of keystate assets, such as Coillte or theenergy networks.

Labour is committed to the

concept of public enterprise,and is determined to ensurethat semi-state companies play a full role in the recovery of the Irish economy


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A new National Employment Service toreplace FS

A major work experience scheme for 30,000recent graduates and apprentices

30,000 new education and training places forpeople who are unemployed

Reduced qualifying periods for Back toEducation Allowance and Back to WorkEnterprise Allowance for the period of thiseconomic emergency

An 18 month PRSI holiday for employers hiring

new employees off the live register

04

A New Deal for JobseekersTime f r changeIreland is facing a jobs crisis, that risks becoming acrisis of long-term unemployment. Labour sees forcedemigration as a stark failure of government, not asolution. Business as usual will not be enough to copewith the unemployment challenge ahead.

We need to reform our socialprotection system so that it is therst step on a path back to work,education or training, not apoverty trap.


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laB ur plan f r aninTegraTed naTi nalempl ymenT erviceLabour will replace FS with anew National EmploymentService to meet the needs of a21st century workforce.

All employment and bene t supportservices for people of working agewill be integrated in a single deliveryunit, a National Employment Service,managed by the Department ofSocial Protection.

This new employment and bene tsupport service would absorb:

The functions of theDepartment of SocialProtection relating toassessment and deliveryof bene ts for people ofworking age.

The functions of theDepartment of Social Protectionrelating to CommunityEmployment participants.

The administration of theSupplementary WelfareAllowance, currently carriedout by the HSE.

The Employment Services unitof FS, which provides supportto jobseekers.

The Local EmploymentService Network.

This integrated service wouldprovide a one stop shop for peopleseeking to establish their bene tentitlements; looking for a job; andseeking advice about their trainingoptions. It also decentralises theadministration of working-agebene ts, which will in future beassessed and managed locally.

This service will offer users a higherlevel of personalised employmentcounselling, with more frequentface-to-face interviews. Training anddeployment of staff will re ect thisfocus. Those on the live register who

are identi ed as being most at riskof long-term unemployment willreceive priority treatment for moreintensive support.

As part of these reforms, Labour willalso develop a agship web-basedadult career guidance portal, whichwill provide adults with free adviceon how to develop their skills forwork. This will be funded throughef ciency savings arising from thereform process.

Helping people move intoemployment, or into training thatleads to sustainable employment,will be the primary function of theNational Employment Service. Itsperformance will be measured onthis basis, and the results publishedannually.

Labour will replace FS witha new National Employment Service to meet the needs of a

21st century workforce


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60,000 new Training,educaTi n and inTern hipplaceLabours Jobs Fund will fund 60,000new training, education andinternship places, to help people whoare currently unemployed to developtheir skills, and position themselvesfor new job opportunities. Laboursinitiatives will include:

Bridge the GAP a Graduateand Apprentice WorkPlacement Scheme. A web-based broker connects recentgraduates and apprenticeswith employers offeringsix-month internships.

Participating interns wouldbe paid at the single personsrate of Jobseekers Allowancefor the duration of theplacement, plus a modestcost-of-work allowance.

An Earn and Learn schemethat enables people on shorttime to combine a shorterworking week with trainingor education.

A reduced qualifying periodof three months for the Backto Education and Back toWork Enterprise Allowanceto make it easier for peopleto come off the dole and intoeducation, and greater accessto postgraduate coursesunder the Back to EducationAllowance, for the period ofthis economic emergency.

A tax-back scheme to helppeople not eligible for othermeans-tested supports to

claim up to two years of theirincome tax back to fund full-time study in an authorisedinstitution.

Literacy and basic workplaceskills to be a nationalpriority, with literacy trainingincorporated into a widervariety of further educationand training.

Skills Exchanges withinfurther education colleges,libraries, Institutes ofTechnology or trainingcentres, to enable thoseavailing of training in oneeld to use their previous

professional experience tohelp train other people.

30,000 additional trainingplaces across the entireeducation and trainingsystem, distributed in linewith the recommendationsof the Expert Group onFuture Skills Needs on theskill requirements of the Irishlabour force.

enc uraging empl yer TTake n new empl yeeLabour will extend the EmployerPRSI Incentive Scheme, and extendthe exemption period to 18 months,to incentivise employers to employpeople who have been on the liveregister for 6 months or more. Wewill ensure that employers aremade aware of this and other jobincentive schemes.

This development of a agshipNational Employment Serviceis a key part of Labours widerreforms of the social protectionsystem, which are grounded in theprinciple that a persons rst day ofunemployment should also be a rststep on the way back to work, withappropriate training, education orwork experience support and otherincentives to make that happen. Thiswill also apply to those in receiptof working age bene ts who arecapable of making a transition towork in the community, education,or training, or employment.

meeTing The educaTi n and Training need fJ B eekerThe majority of FS funds for directtraining, and all of the FS trainingcentres, will be transferred to thefurther education and Institute ofTechnology sectors, with an explicitmandate to deliver high-quality,exible vocational education andtraining and a broader, modernapprenticeship programme thatcaters to a wider variety of trades,ages and genders. This will beaccompanied by a redeploymentof quali ed training staff from FSto Colleges of Further Educationand Institutes of Technology, asappropriate.

The transition will be strategicallymanaged by government to ensurethat available training and educationopportunities meet the current andprojected needs of the labour market,and the needs of jobseekers.

In order to retain the element ofexibility in the old FS system thatallowed it to respond to emergingskills shortages, a proportion of thefunding would go to create a fundthat all providers (public and private)will be able to tender for in order todeliver training in designated skills

shortages. Those skills shortageswould be identi ed in annual labourmarket surveys.

Labours Jobs Fund will

fund 60,000 new training,education & internship places


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Jobs

Pass Labours Climate Change Bill to set legallybinding carbon reduction targets in line withEU targets

Introduce a National Retro t Scheme to makeour housing stock more energy ef cient

Clear obstacles to bringing Irelands richrenewable energy sources on stream

Position Ireland as a leading player in theglobal carbon market, and a centre ofexcellence in the management of carbon

Reform how we regulate the waste sectorto kick-start investment and innovation, andreduce costs for consumers

05

Growing theGreen Economy Time f r changeIn the 21st century, a sustainable environment is integral toa sustainable economy. Ireland has an obligation to reduceour greenhouse gases, and play our part in tackling climate

change. However, this also provides us with an opportunityto create new jobs in sectors such as clean technology,renewable energy, and services that reduce our demandfor energy in the rst place. The same is true of managingour water supplies, reducing our waste, and enhancingour environment so that it is safe, clean, and a positiveresource for tourism.


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c mBaTing gl BalwarmingLabours Climate Change Bill willprovide certainty about governmentpolicy, and a clear pathway foremissions reduction, in line withnegotiated EU targets. Labour willalso work at EU level to set up anational programme for forestcarbon offsets.

Ireland also needs a coordinatedapproach to the two-prongedchallenge of reducing our carbonoutput and growing our energy

independence, with responsibilityat the highest level of government.The Department of the Taoiseachwill coordinate both our domesticand international policy onclimate change.

We also need to anticipate changesto Irelands climate that are alreadyinevitable, by urgently developinga national climate changeadaptation plan.

creaTing a l wcarB n cieTyOne of the easiest, fastest andcheapest ways to reduce our carbonemissions is to use less fossil fuels.

Labour will improve the energyef ciency of our existing housingstock by initiating a major NationalRetro t Scheme. There are up to1.2 million dwellings in Irelandin need of an energy ef ciencyretro t, creating at least 30,000direct construction sector jobs with

additional indirect andinduced jobs.

Labour will make it easier andaffordable for homeowners to upgradetheir homes insulation by introducingan Energy Ef ciency Obligation onenergy suppliers, who would in turnbe required to offer whole houseenergy ef ciency upgrades. This wouldbe paid for through a pay as you savemechanism on the household energybill.

Labour wants to end poor qualityhousing in Ireland.To address the

problem of existing, inef cientbuilding stock, all housing will have tomeet a minimum standard of energyef ciency at the point of sale or rent.

Labour will also further improveenergy ef ciency for new buildings,with a view to moving towards zerocarbon homes in the longer term. Allnew commercial buildings will also berequired to signi cantly reduce theircarbon footprint.

In tandem with the development of asmart public transport system, Labourwill target having 350,000 electriccars on Irish roads by 2020.

Labour is also committed to aninitial target of 50% green publicprocurement, and will progressivelyraise energy ef ciency and carbonstandards for future procurementcommitments.

delivering clean,ecure energy

Ireland needs to maximise its richwind and wave energy regime,and position itself to become a netexporter of clean energy. Renewableenergy providers need certaintyabout policy direction to invest andexpand their businesses. Labour willlegislate to regulate the geothermalenergy sector to provide certainty

for investors, and to provide for anef cient Foreshore Licensing andLeasing process for marine energy.

Labour will make it easier and affordable for homeowners to upgradetheir homes insulation


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To date, the transition to a low-carbon energy future in Ireland hasbeen de ned by a lack of policyand institutional coordination. Thislack of clarity in the frameworkthat supports the developmentand deployment of low-carbontechnologies has delayed progress inthe energy sector.

Labour will create a coordinatingpolicy of ce, using existingresources, within the Departmentof Communications, Energy andNatural Resources. This would havethe bene t of joined up thinking

and be in a position to enhancesustainability measures in acoordinated way across a numberof sectors.

As part of Labours enterpriseand innovation strategy, Labourwill seek to establish Irelandas a renewable manufacturinghub to attract international anddomestic investment. Labour willalso position Ireland as a leadingplayer in the global carbon market,and a centre of excellence in themanagement of carbon.

Labour will facilitate thedevelopment of energy co-operativesto make it easier for small-scalerenewable energy providers tocontribute to our renewables target.

Reducing demand for fossil fuels andgrowing renewable energy suppliesare critical to our energy security.However, it is important that ourgas and electricity networks are keptin public ownership, so that accessto this vital infrastructure is not jeopardised. Labour will also ensurethat Irelands royalty regime extendsto the Corrib gas eld as part of awider review of the tax regime andconditions of oil and gas exploration.

Labour will scrap the plan by theEnergy Regulator to insist on the

unnecessary cost of re-branding ofBord Gis and ESB.

Labour will not establish any nuclearfacility in the state. We will continueto oppose the Sella eld plant andother installations in the UK whichpose a risk to our people.

Tackling fuel andenergy p verTyIn the medium-term, our proposalswill result in a cleaner, more secure,more affordable supply of heat andelectricity to Irish homes. However,Labour will also take immediateaction to alleviate the risk of fuelpoverty in the short term by re-investing 40 million from thecarbon tax to alleviate fuel poverty,and by developing a national fuel

poverty strategy as set out inLabours Fuel Poverty and EnergyConservation Bill.

Labour will also direct theCommission for Energy Regulationto implement a fairer disconnectionpolicy through the use of pre-payment meters, and to developa fair policy in relation todisconnection fees.

a u TainaBle wa Te p licyIreland needs a national wastemanagement strategy that isenvironmentally sustainable, thatreduces costs for businesses andconsumers, and that creates jobs.

Labours waste policy will adhereto the EU waste hierarchy. Labourfavours a coherent approach towaste management that minimisesthe waste going to land ll, and thatmaximises the resources that can berecovered from it.

At national level, Labour willfacilitate the coordination ofRegional Waste Management Plansin order to ensure householdsand businesses have a minimumstandard of waste services, and alsoto provide certainty to investors.Labour will also investigate thepotential for a virtual wasteclearing house, where companiesinvolved in the recycling or reuseof waste can bid for material. Thismeasure will also provide clarityfor investors as to the potential fornew waste-related businesses.

In order to address Irelandsobligations under the EU land lldirective, Labour will explore the

introduction of a cap and tradescheme that would phase in theauctioning of permits for land ll.

Labour will also drive a wastereduction programme through theextension of producer responsibilityinitiatives, and a levy on packaging.Labour will consider placing a productlevy on hard-to-recycle objects.

Speci c producer responsibilityrequirements will be introducedfor construction and demolitionprojects over a certain threshold,with recycling and wastemanagement requirementsenforced through mandatorycompliance bonds that can berefunded at the end of the project.

Labour will take immediate

action to alleviate the risk of fuel poverty


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In order to improve the wastecollection service available tohouseholders and businessesnationwide, and to improve theamount and quality of materialsavailable for recycling and re-use,Labour will make local authoritieslegally responsible for the collectionof household waste. Instead ofmultiple operators competing withinlocal authorities, operators willcompete to deliver a service to everyhousehold in the local authority area,as recommended by the ESRI. Localauthorities can also compete againstprivate operators for this market, in

which case the contract would beawarded by an independent assessor.

These contracts would stipulatea minimum service to be offerednationwide, and a public serviceobligation, including a fee waiverscheme for low-income households.However, licences would be exibleenough to allow for localisedwaste management needs andopportunities.

en uring acce T afewaTerSecurity of access to clean drinkingwater is essential for public health.This has been undermined byrecent scandals of polluted watersupplies, and drought caused byextreme weather.

Labour does not favour watercharges, which do not address the

immediate needs of those whocurrently receive intermittent or poorwater supplies. Labour will continueto invest in the water servicesprogramme as part of the capitalbudget, focusing on minimisingtreated water lost through leakage.

enhancing The qualiTy fur envir nmenT

Everyone has the right toenjoy a clean, healthy, peacefulenvironment. Labour will clampdown on environmental crime,such as illegal dumping and graf ti,and strengthen laws against noisepollution to deal with noise fromneighbouring residents, allow foron the spot nes, and provide formediation between neighbours.

Labour will ensure relevantgovernment departments integrate

biodiversity into their plans, policyand actions, and legislate to betterprotect our coastal zones. Ourcountryside and coastlines arepositive amenities for tourism, andLabour will work in partnershipwith local stakeholders to ensurereasonable and safe access to them.

Labour will continue theimplementation of nationaland European legislation toenhance biodiversity and improveconservation. Labour will alsocomplete the rati cation of theAarhus Convention on access toinformation, public participationin decision-making and access to justice in environmental matters.

Labour will make local

authorities legally responsible for the collection of household waste


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The fir T Tep

Facilitate the establishment of a newcompany, NetCo, which would begin the roll-out of next generation broadband

Empower the regulator, ComReg, to ensureall broadband suppliers provide regular dataon speeds, and end inaccurate advertising ofbroadband speeds

Address the growing problem of digital literacy

Protect local postal services by legislating for acomprehensive Universal Service Obligation

Revise the National Development Plan to

prioritise public transport projects thatdeliver the best value for money, reduce roadcongestion, and reduce greenhouse gases

06

Infrastructure for the 21st Century Time f r changeBehind Fianna Fils rhetoric of the Smart Economy isthe reality of Irelands poor performance in almost everyinternational league table. Labours broadband strategy

will extend next generation broadband speeds acrossIreland, allowing us to embrace cloud computing, e-health,e-transport, e-learning, improve on our energy ef ciencyand position Ireland as a world leader in communicationsinnovation. Together with rebalancing transport policy tofavour public transport, Labour will lay the foundations for agreener, more sustainable economy.


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delivering nexTgeneraTi n Br adBandIrelands biggest obstacle todelivering next generation broadbandis the prohibitive cost of investing ina new, next generation network. Toaddress that market failure, Labourwill facilitate the establishment ofa company, NetCo, which will allowinvestors to share the risk of investingin a new network.

This cooperative company wouldbe a vehicle for the roll-out of nextgeneration broadband, connecting

the majority of users to bre opticcables which will allow speeds100 Mpb/s and greater. The vastmajority of homes would bedirectly connected to the brenetwork, with a wireless solutiononly being offered in remoteareas. This network would replacethe aging copper network that iscurrently in existence.

NetCo would own the passiveelements of the infrastructure,but would be barred fromsimultaneously providing broadbandservices, so as not to create a

monopoly. Telecoms operators andretailers would be charged the samerate to access the network. However,initial investors in the networkwould be charged a preferential ratein order to incorporate the risk oftheir initial investment.

This cooperative approach toinvesting private funds in the brenetwork has been successfullyexploited in Switzerland, andthrough a public-private venture inthe Netherlands.

BeTTer value fir TgeneraTi n Br adBandComReg will be mandated tocontinue to lower the price of Local-Loop Unbundling. To further drivevalue for consumers, ComReg willrequire all broadband providers topublish average speeds for eachpackage. We will also introduce a newgovernment rating system so thathome owners and tenants can assessbroadband facilities easily, and torestrict misleading advertisementsrelating to monthly caps.

devel ping ireland a an ip huBLabour supports the developmentof an International Content ServicesCentre in Ireland, and its potentialto make Ireland a European hub forthe dissemination of IntellectualProperty. We will work at Europeanlevel to ensure that rights clearanceis standardised, to provide fora transparent and competitivemarket in Intellectual Propertyacross the EU.

Labour will also work towards thedevelopment of EU-wide standardsfor digitisation and archiving, inorder to make the EU a world leaderin digital content management.

mainTaining puBlicervice Br adca Ting

Labour supports and values public

service broadcasting, which hasalways been a fundamentalcornerstone of the Irishbroadcasting system. It promotesdiversity, social and cultural valuesthat are essential to a properlyfunctioning democracy. Labourwill uphold these values as Irelandmakes the transition to digitaltelevision and radio, ensuring thataccess to, and the quality of publicservice broadcasting, are protected.

Labour will examine the role, andthe collection of, the TV license fee

Labour will facilitate privatecompanies to invest in a next generation network


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in light of existing and projectedconvergence of broadcastingtechnologies.

regulaTing f r The fuTuref Br adca Ting

Telecommunications regulatoryand licensing matters are currentlyhandled by ComReg, whereasbroadcasting regulation andlicenses will be the responsibilityof the Broadcasting Authority ofIreland. Given the convergence oftechnology in this sector i.e. videoon demand, mobile broadband

we will merge the BroadcastingAuthority of Ireland and ComReg toform one regulatory body.

This new pan-regulatory bodywill also have responsibility forprotecting consumers from rip offcharges and for Quality Assurance.

en uring The urvival fprinT media in irelandGiven the intense pressuresthat newspaper and broadcastmedia currently face, a detailedand informed policy discussionis required to ensure the futuresurvival of a strong indigenousmedia presence in Ireland.

The Department of Communications,Energy and Natural Resources willengage in a structured dialogue on thefuture challenges faced by the printand broadcast media in Ireland, with

broad input from industry, politics, andconsumer and civic groups.

u Taining a univer alp Tal erviceIn light of the proposed liberalisationof the postal services, Labourbelieves that a universal postalservice is essential, in particularfor rural communities and thosedisadvantaged communities affectedby the digital divide. A commerciallyviable, pro table and ef cient AnPost is key to the long-term viability

of the postal market. Labour willensure that the Postal Services Billprovides for a clear commitment tothe universal service obligation.

Labour will implement therecommendations of the all-partyagreed Oireachtas CommitteePostcodes Report.

making Tran p rT m reu TainaBle

Labours vision for Irelands traveland transport system is for onethat is modern, reliable, integrated,

accessible and safe.All planned transport infrastructureprojects, including Public-PrivatePartnerships, will be subject to acost bene t analysis. Based on thisanalysis, investment in transportinfrastructure that provides the bestvalue for money, and that reducescarbon emissions from transport,will be prioritised.

In light of the damage caused toroads by recent extreme weather,Labour will allocate, on a once-offbasis, a portion of the existing roadsbudget to prioritise repair of thosesecondary roads most affected.

Cycling and walking will be at theheart of any future sustainabletransport network. Labour willprovide for contiguous cyclingroutes for commuters, and safeschool cycle routes. The safety

needs of cyclists will be taken intoaccount in enhanced road junctiondesign, improved signage androad maintenance. Labour will alsointroduce legislation to strengthenthe needs of pedestrians, cyclists andpublic transport commuters in theplanning process and the transportsystem.

In order to provide for a publictransport infrastructure thatgrows with our population, wewill introduce legislation to ensurethat all large new residential andcommercial developments will have

integrated transport services as partof their planning permission.

The Dublin Transport Authority Actand the Public Transport RegulationAct will also be amended to requireDevelopment Plans, Local AreaPlans and rezoning applications tomake provision for public transportservices if the population of theareas affected reaches or is plannedto reach a speci ed threshold.

m re efficienT puBlicTran p rTBus services will continue to be themost cost effective and most exibleway of delivering public transportboth in cities and in rural areas.Investment in public transport willfocus on the further developmentof Quality Bus Networks, and Parkand Ride facilities. Labour will alsoexplore the development of the Bus

Labours vision for Irelandstravel and transport systemis for one that is modern,reliable, integrated, accessible

and safe


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Rapid Transit model in our cities,which can replicate the speed andcomfort of light rail at a fraction ofthe cost.

Labour will complete the roll-out

of the Integrated Ticketing Systemon all modes of transport. Labourwill also complete the plannedimplementation of Real TimePassenger Information at bus stopsin Dublin and Cork, with a viewto extending this service to otherregions as resources allow.

Rural transport is essential toprevent social exclusion, help ruralbusiness and reduce greenhousegas emissions. Labour will seekto maintain the Rural TransportProgramme and make integratedrural transport a key responsibilityfor the National Transport Authority.

Labour supports the developmentof a revised framework strategy forthe taxi industry under the NationalTransport Authority. Labour will deferthe introduction of the Nine YearRule on compulsory replacement oftaxis to 1 January 2012, and end thesecond-hand market in taxi licences. keeping ireland c nnecTedAn island nation that exports 80%of all it produces must have secureshipping lines for internationalconnectivity. Labour will reviewour seaport operations to ensurethat Ireland has adequate shippingcapacity in the medium to long-term and that our seaports have

management structures and nancialstability to carry out their mandate.This review will also take into account

the current and projected needs ofocean energy providers.

Air transport is of vital nationalstrategic importance to Ireland.Maintaining strong competitiveness,

and regional connectivity, in theairline market will be a priority.

making ur r ad aferLabour will support the Road SafetyAuthority in the implementation ofthe Road Safety Strategy 2007-2012.In particular, Labour supports theimplementation of the GraduatedDriver Licensing System for thetraining, testing and licensing ofnew drivers. Labour will introducethe legislation necessary to activatethese proposals.

Labour will overhaul and consolidatethe Road Traf c Acts to maximisetheir effectiveness, and carry out anaudit of the national road networkto ensure that all road surfaces,signage and traf c signals complywith the highest safety standards.

Labour will explore the

development of the Bus Rapid Transit model in our cities


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Jobs

The fir T Tep

Scale up Irelands agricultural productivitythrough the development of the dairy andmeat sectors

Reduce the age pro le of the agri-food sectorand increase the size and productivity offarms through encouraging farm partnerships

Implement the recommendations of the FoodHarvest 2020 report

Focus on developing new brands for Irish food,including an eco brand and local brands

Develop Ireland as a European hub for seafood

processing

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Growing Jobs in Food, Agriculture and FisheriesTime f r changeIreland has an opportunity to make a quantum leap infood production through the export of food products. Irishagriculture needs to position itself to take advantage of

new markets, a growing world population and a movetowards more market-driven policies at EU level, which ispushing up demand for quality food products. The agri-food sector is one of Irelands biggest employers, it islargely Irish-owned, and it is nationwide. Labours plan isto transform one of our traditional strengths into a 21stcentury driver of economic growth.


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preparing f r changeThis is a period of radical change inthe agriculture sector. The reform of

the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP)poses signi cant challenges for theIrish agriculture and agri-food sectors,which we must be ready to meet. Theoverall impact of the CAP proposalswill result in a more market-drivenindustry, with an emphasis on theneed for cost competitiveness forthose sectors of the food industryfocusing on commodity markets.

In government, Labour will work toretain our 1.3 billion CAP fundingenvelope. Our negotiating position atEU level is predicated on retaining thisenvelope.

Labour also accepts the need for anextensive bi-lateral exchange withother countries to ensure that anychanges in policy at EU level and atthe World Trade Organisation mustnot undermine the principle of directpayments to food producers.

gr wing The dairy andmeaT ecT rThe anticipated CAP reforms willmean economies of scale willbecome more important. Facilitatingconsolidation in the dairy andbeef sector will be a high priority.Increasing our focus on scaleand competitiveness will furtheremphasise the need for producers andprocessors to focus on commodity ormainstream markets.

Labour will focus on developing thefull potential of Irelands dairy sector,by working with the sector to increase

take-up of new technologies andevidence-based practice that result inhigher milk yields at lower cost.

Labour also favours more market-based pricing to re ect improvedproducts and innovation in themeat and dairy sectors, and thedevelopment of more integratedsupply chains.

impr ving farmpr ducTiviTyIrelands scale at producer level lagsbehind our major competitors, and

with an ageing farm populationthe need for structural change willcontinue. Labour favours a modelof Single Farm Payments that willreward innovation and see furtherinclusion of younger farmers.

The only way to create scale is to buyor lease, the potential for which islimited by the structure of Irelandsfarm holdings. We can give farmersapproaching retirement, those who nolonger wish to farm, or bene ciariesof farms, the opportunity to retainan income from their land, while alsomaximising the overall potentialproductivity of Irish holdings.

Labour will develop mechanismsfor farmers, non rural residentswith inherited land and older singlefarmers to vest their holdings in alocal co-operative farm partnershipwhere they would retain ownership,share in the pro ts of such

partnerships and are informedregularly of progress and plans.

They would be free at any stage, givenadequate notice, to withdraw theirholding from the co-op. These farmunits could be a powerful source oflocal employment and could have thescale to develop and produce brandedproduce.

Such holdings should be supported

and included for Direct Paymentswhere possible and especially incases where Community SupportedAgriculture Models are developed.

Labour will focus ondeveloping the full potential of Irelands dairy sector


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gr wing ur agri-f d ecT rA growing and more af uent worldpopulation is an opportunity for Irelandto expand its food exports.

Labour supports the recommendationsof the Harvest Food 2020 Report.In addition to implementing theserecommendations, our agri-foodpolicy will focus on the development ofthe premium artisan food market andof Ireland as a world class food tourismdestination.

Branding of Irish food will bedeveloped, such as eco-food labelling,enhanced organic branding, and thedevelopment of local brands. NewIrish food businesses will be developedthrough a series of coordinated effortsacross the food sector and stateagencies. For example, the buildingof pilot plant kitchens to allow foodproducers to develop and manufactureproducts on a small scale; the furtherdevelopment of farmers markets; andthe development by Enterprise Ireland

of scaleable manufacturing solutionsfor food businesses that have thecapacity to expand.

Labour will also seek to implement therecommendations of the Eighth Reportof the Joint Committee on Enterprise,Trade and Innovation relating togrowing employment in the agri-foodsector.

Labour will support evidence-baseddevelopment of the agri-food sector

through continued support for R&D,and modernised education andtraining options for those seeking towork, or to upgrade their skills, in thesector. Labour will also examine howrelated subjects at second level couldbe modernised to re ect new demandsand opportunities in the agri-foodsector.

a fair deal f r pr ducerLabour will adopt a joined-up approach

to fostering a sustainable agri-foodsector in Ireland by examining boththe supply of, and demand for, Irishfood products. We will work with local

authorities to develop farmers markets,and favour a sustainable planningmodel that promotes diversity in thefood retail sector. We will also put thecurrent voluntary code providing forgreater transparency in the food supplychain on a statutory footing.

pen T new ideaLabour will actively welcomeconstructive engagement by interestedstakeholders in growing our indigenousfarming, food and biofuel industries.Labour also supports the proposalsby Irish Rural Link for the strategicregionalisation of Irish agriculturepolicy to maximise the development ofthe sector.

Bi fuelThe EU Renewable Energy Directivesets out targets to ensure that Irelandsenergy is provided from renewables by2020. Labour wants to see indigenousIrish industry take up production ofrenewables to ensure those targets aremet. We support a land use strategywhich would swap a proportionof ruminant grazing to perennialenergy crops, which will reduceIrelands greenhouse gases. However,Ireland is and will continue to be apredominantly food producing andexporting country.

f re TryLabour recognises the importance offorestry as a source of employment,as a source of renewable energy, asa public amenity, and as a means ofreducing our national carbon footprint.Labour oppose

Documents

Labour Election Manifesto 2011