The quick guide to Ireland’s political parties

Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

What is your stance on abortion? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Pro-choice Labour intends to have a process leading to the repeal of the Eighth Amendment underway by this summer if it’s re-elected to government . . . The party is proposing to replace the effective ban on abortion in Ireland with legislation that would allow for terminations on the grounds of risk to life, risk to health, rape and fatal foetal abnormality.Source

Should the government ban contraception? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No In 1979, the Irish health minister, Charles Haughey, introduced a bill limiting the legal provision of contraceptives to “bona fide family planning purposes.” Signed into law in November 1980, the Health (Family Planning) Act ensured that contraceptives could be sold by a registered pharmacist to customers with a valid medical prescription.Source

Do you support the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No The retention of the death penalty was a blemish on the society it represents, said Mr Michael D. Higgins, party foreign affairs spokesman. The Labour Party launched a Yes campaign to abolish the death penalty and ratify the international Criminal...Source

Do you support the legalisation of same sex marriage? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes gay ppl should get married but i should be allowed to have a harem as well. Source

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes, as long as they pass the same background checks as straight couples The Children & Family Relationships Act represented another milestone in protecting and cherishing all family types, including those where LGBT parents are already raising children. By broadening and strengthening the State’s recognition of all family types, we have ensured better treatment for children all over the country. Labour will fully commence all sections of the Children & Family Relationships Act.Source

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

Should women be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the number of countries in the European Union be reduced to 15? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU sanction member countries with authoritarian governments? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should it be illegal to join a boycott of Israel? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the military offensive against ISIS in the Iraqi city of Mosul? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease military spending? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Decrease Source

Should the European Commission be dismantled? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK withdraw from the European Union? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No Source

Should the EU evolve into the United States of Europe? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Ireland end its traditional policy of military neutrality? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No Labour supports Irish military neutrality. More importantly, we also believe that the principle is supported by the bulk of the Irish people, and that it should therefore be incorporated into the text of the...Source

Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

Should the UK be allowed to access European Markets once they leave the EU? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should intelligence agencies be merged to create a central EU agency? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease foreign aid spending? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Increase Ireland is ready to provide safe relocation for those fleeing war and it is critical that his Department works to remove the delays as quickly as possible. The Labour Party was disappointed that only an extra €10 million was provided in the Budget for overseas development aid, with no increase in the allocation to Irish Aid. We still have no clarity on where the €10 million extra will be spent apart from being an increased contribution to the EU budget.Source

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a single-payer healthcare system? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of Marijuana? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Labour spokesperson on Health, Alan Kelly TD, has urged the Minister for Health, Simon Harris, to provide Orkambi to Cystic Fibrosis patients. Deputy Kelly said: “It is unacceptable that the National Centre for Pharma Economics and Vertex have not been able to come to any agreement with the HSE in relation to the use of this drug. . . Furthermore, there is a need to look at the use of this unique drug and others like it on a pan-European basis, to see how in a collaborative way, we can work with European partners to ensure the provision of life saving drugs for the people that need them."Source

Should Ireland adopt a public healthcare system similar to the NHS in Britain? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes We are committed to ending the two tier health system that exists in this country. We will deliver Universal Health Care by creating a new National Community Health Service – a public primary care system where access is free to...Source

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Less, and provide more government funding We will create a new National Community Health Service – a public primary care system where access is free to everyone – and create a new Cabinet position with direct political responsibility to oversee this critical national...Source

Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of nuclear energy? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No White also told TheJournal.ie that he does not foresee a nuclear power plant being built in Ireland in the future. As well as a lack of enthusiasm among the public, he cited the questionable economics of such a move: "I don’t see Ireland introducing nuclear, certainly not while I’m minister or within the purview of this white paper, certainly not."Source

Should the children of migrants who live in French territories be allowed to join their families? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be allowed to hold dual citizenship status? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU impose a quota of migrants per country? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should migrant workers be paid the national minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes, migrant workers deserve the same rights as citizens Source

Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the country? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to learn English? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government provide welfare benefits to foreigners? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should VAT rates be increased or decreased? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a universal basic income program? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes, the government should intervene to boost a recovery The Pathways to Work strategy has transformed social welfare from being just a provider of benefits to a public employment service that helps jobseekers find work, training and education. Some 140,000 jobs have been added in the economy since the peak of the crisis. Unemployment has fallen by more than one third, from over 15% to 8.6% nowSource

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Maintain the current rate But we firmly believe that 12.5% is not just a reasonable maximum corporation tax rate but is the minimum acceptable rate at which corporate profits should be taxed. With a marginal rate so low, there can be very little if any genuine argument for allowances or reliefs to reduce the effective rate even further.Source

Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Help Source

Should the government provide tax incentives to private companies to keep jobs within the country? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes, but only for low-income pensioners Source

Should the government abolish the inheritance tax? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No, but increase the tax-free allowance The Government is proposing massive increases to the inheritance tax thresholds while in office. We believe this is a disproportionate tax break for inherited wealth, but accept that some adjustment to the thresholds is appropriate. Instead of massive one-off changes, we propose that inheritance tax thresholds should be index-linked. This will be part funded by restricting eligibility for the dwelling house exemption under inheritance tax to a single primary residence.Source

Do you support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes, but with more transparency Labour also believes it is the duty of the Union to strive for the best possible trade deals for its member states and citizens. To this end we will support social democratic efforts to reform the questionable International Dispute Settlement Mechanism within the Transatlantic Trade Investment Partnership (TTIP). We want to see a deal in this area that ensures member states enjoy the benefits of free trade with North America, but avoids running the risk of undermining our essential consumer protections and quality guarantees that form a core element of the shared values of European people and nations.Source

Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No, too many wealthy citizens are abusing loopholes in offshore banking laws to evade taxes The Labour Party will seek to bring the due date forward to ensure that tax defaulters pay their tax due, in the same way that people on PAYE have to pay. There will have to be a very detailed discussion of the proposals by the minister to take such a softly softly approach to defaulters who have overseas and offshore assets and income streams. We know from the Panama Papers published earlier in the year, that there were numbers of Irish people and firms referenced in the papers. We also know from previous reports and tribunals that there have consistently been small numbers of Irish people and firms who have used offshore devices to avoid or mitigate their due tax. If Revenue is now to take some very welcome action, that action should be taken as quickly as possible. In its alternative budget, Labour proposed to beef up the fight against tax defaulters, particularly those using offshore mechanisms."Source

Should the government raise taxes on the rich? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Labour in Government increased this threshold to €13,000 and removed 700,000 taxpayers from the USC net. We have also reduced the rate of USC payable on the first €70,000 of income. Now we intend to go much...Source

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Fewer At a minimum we will increase welfare payments in line with the cost of living. We will move towards welfare individualisation – meaning spouses and partners of jobseekers are seen as welfare clients in their own right. So all working age adults – including women and primary carers - will be given the same entitlements and opportunities.Source

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No, cuts to public spending will negatively affect the economy Source

Should water charges be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes, make it a living wage, if you are in full time work, after completing full-time education Source

Should bankers’ bonuses be capped at 100% of their pay? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the power-sharing provincial government be restored in Northern Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Deputy Breathnach said, “It is imperative that we see the restoration of devolution in Northern Ireland as soon as possible. All parties need to return to the negotiation table in order to achieve...Source

Should the Seanad be a wholly elected body? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No Source

Do you support a united Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes "I continue to believe that the people of Northern Ireland would be better off in an all island...Source

Should the government be able to monitor phone calls and emails? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No, and enact legislation preventing government surveillance of citizen communications Minister for Public Expenditure & Reform Brendan Howlin has responded to the controversy over the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission unilaterally accessing details of journalists’ phone calls. "There is a new issue that has now emerged and that is the maintenance and protection of the freedom of the press, which is really a fundamental pillar of our democracy," he said. Speaking on RTÉ’s This Week, Mr Howlin said the recent approach taken in the United Kingdom - in which each application to look at a journalist's phone records requires judicial oversight - was a good one. "Any application [to monitor phones] under the current law is reviewed annually by a judge, but the Minister for Justice has indicated that we need to go further, probably, in relation to this particular issue. "[Frances Fitzgerald] is reviewing it and I think the model that happens in Britain is not a bad one for us to look at and that is that each application for the looking at a journalist's telephone records would be subject to an individual analysis by an independent judge," added Mr Howlin.Source

Are you in favour of decriminalising drug use? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No, but increase funding for addiction prevention and rehabilitation We will establish a twin-track approach, as in the Portuguese model, where the resources of the criminal justice system are targeted at the pushers and, at the same time, measures to reduce demand for drugs are implemented and medical supports are focused on the victims of drug abuse.Source

Should there be term limits set for members of Congress? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government pass laws which protect whistleblowers? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes A key part of the Government's political reform agenda has been announced with the publication of the heads of the Protected Disclosure in the Public Interest Bill 2012. The whistleblower legislation, announced by Minister Brendan Howlin, will protect 'whistleblowers who speak out against wrongdoing, or cover-ups, whether in the public or private sector. "This is a huge advancement from the previous piecemeal approach where the patchwork of protections resulted in a fragmented and confusing standards of protection," Minister Howlin said.Source

Should elected Members of Parliament in Northern Ireland be able to sit and participate in the Dáil? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should it be illegal to burn our national flag? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the free tuition fees scheme be available to foreign students? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

Should the Irish language remain a compulsory subject on the national curriculum? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes, but not at the expense of learning other European languages. Any Government that Labour is part of will ensure that Irish has central part of the Irish Education system. We have introduced a new integrated languages curriculum for the youngest children in primary schools, so that children learn to speak English and Irish together.Source

Should the UK abolish university tuition fees? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No, but they should be reduced We recognise that higher education must be made more affordable, and that we need to invest in a system that can give the quality opportunities our young people...Source

Should girls be allowed to wear the niqab or burka in Catholic Schools? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

Should the Seanad be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes The Labour Party has said the Seanad needs to be abolished as part of an overhaul of the entire political...Source

Should corporations, unions, and non-profit organizations be allowed to donate to political parties? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes, but limit the amount they can donate Since it is not constitutionally feasible to completely eliminate personal political donations, Labour’s legislation will significantly reduce the limit on political donations to political parties and candidates to €2,500 and €1,000 respectively, and require disclosure of all aggregate sums above €1,500 and €600 respectively.Source

Should a politician, who has been formerly convicted of a crime, be allowed to run for office? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the minimum voting age be lowered? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should political candidates be required to release their recent tax returns to the public? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Irish citizens, living abroad and in Northern Ireland, have the right to vote in presidential elections? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the practice of hunting foxes with dogs? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase environmental regulations on businesses to reduce carbon emissions? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No, we should pursue more sustainable energy resources instead Source

Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of genetically engineered crops and foods? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No Source

Should convicted criminals have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should France continue to assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should laptops be banned on all direct flights departing from the Middle East? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes I particularly welcome the commitment to double the number of women in our Defence Forces. Minister Coveney has mentioned the potential for Ireland to become more involved in dealing with gender based violence which, unfortunately, is a more prevalent issue in some of the places where are peacekeeping forces are at work. In this sensitive area, the importance of having female Defence Force members cannot be understated.Source

What is your stance on abortion? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child Source

Should the government ban contraception? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

Do you support the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of same sex marriage? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Source

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes, as long as they pass the same background checks as straight couples Current adoption law provides for the adoption of children by married couples or single persons – irrespective of their sexual orientation – but not by unmarried couples or civil partners. Mr Shatter said he was in discussion with Minister for Children Frances Fitzgerald over whether proposals to allow for civil partners will end up in the Children and Family Relationships Bill, or in a separate piece of legislation. While the measure may prove controversial in some quarters, the Minister said the legislation – likely to become law next year – has the full support of Fine Gael and Labour.Source

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No According to Mr Neville, if euthanasia becomes acceptable under any circumstances, the boundaries of what is considered lawful killing would be stretched even wider. Mr Neville believes that this has happened elsewhere. “Where euthanasia and assisted suicide have been liberalised there is a blurring between voluntary and involuntary euthanasia. In the Netherlands there are cases of ending life of patients with a mental handicap and with dementia. The ‘slippery slope’ is on the way to involuntary euthanasia for social reasons. It is possible that the elderly (especially those who are elderly and rich) become dispensable,” he said.Source

Should women be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the number of countries in the European Union be reduced to 15? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU sanction member countries with authoritarian governments? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes EU Foreign Ministers meeting in Brussels described the referendum held in eastern Ukraine yesterday as “illegitimate and illegal” and moved to impose additional sanctions against individuals, and companies based in the Crimea. The Foreign Affairs Council, which was attended by Minister for European Affairs, Paschal Donohoe T.D, reaffirmed EU support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity. Speaking after the meeting earlier today, Minister Donohoe T.D said: “Regrettably the political and security situation in the east of Ukraine has deteriorated sharply over the past fortnight, with tragic loss of life which we all deplore. Given this violence, and the lack of concrete action by Moscow to de-escalate the situation, we, as the Council, imposed additional sanctions against 13 individuals, and two companies based in the Crimea."Source

Should it be illegal to join a boycott of Israel? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the military offensive against ISIS in the Iraqi city of Mosul? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease military spending? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Increase Source

Should the European Commission be dismantled? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK withdraw from the European Union? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

Should the EU evolve into the United States of Europe? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Ireland end its traditional policy of military neutrality? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Fine Gael will lobby hard for public support for its proposal to abandon Ireland's traditional policy of military neutrality, the party's foreign affairs spokesman, Mr Gay Mitchell, has vowed. In its document, 'Beyond Neutrality,' Fine Gael has proposed that Ireland should commit to coming to the aid of our European Union partners "on a case-by-case basis". "We intend to take the argument to the people, and to make sure that our own party members are aware of this," said Mr Mitchell, who has been a long-standing supporter of a common EU defence. "We are not going to resile from it, or walk from it. Fine Gael stands for equality of opportunity, social justice and enterprise. With every right, though, comes responsibility," he said.Source

Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes, we should accept 10,000 refugees Source

Should the UK be allowed to access European Markets once they leave the EU? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should intelligence agencies be merged to create a central EU agency? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease foreign aid spending? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Increase Ireland has engaged on this issue in various ways including, crucially, through the core work of our aid programme in addressing poverty and under-development €“ major root causes of this problem. Ireland has also supported more targeted and specific interventions from supporting agencies such as UNICEF and the International Criminal Court, to designing interventions in our bilateral programmes that address the needs of children affected by conflict. Ireland places strong emphasis on the importance of prioritising protection and accountability at the national and international level. The conviction of Thomas Lubanga by the International Criminal Court last year for the recruitment and use of child soldiers is a powerful message that no individual who violates international criminal law can be confident of impunity.Source

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a single-payer healthcare system? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of Marijuana? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes, but only for medical use Reilly said Ireland should follow the example of Britain, which last month gave approval to a new cannabis-based drug, Sativex, which helps patients with MS and...Source

Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Cork South Central TD and Chairperson of the Oireachtas Committee on Health and Children, Jerry Buttimer, has said that the decision of the HSE to extend access to Eculizumab (Soliris) will come as a relief to people with diseases Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH) and atypical Haemolytic Uraemic (aHUS). Deputy Buttimer has also said that exorbitant costs of new drugs and how much is paid by the State must be examined.Source

Should Ireland adopt a public healthcare system similar to the NHS in Britain? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes We are committed to ending the two tier health system that exists in this country. We will deliver Universal Health Care by creating a new National Community Health Service – a public primary care system where access is free to...Source

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Fine Gael Cork based Senator, Tim Lombard, has called for the Meningitis B vaccine programme, introduced in October 2016, to be back-dated to allow for a catch up scheme for all children. Lombard raised the issue with Minister of State in the Department of Health, Catherine Byrne TD in the Seanad this week. The Meningitis B vaccine programme introduced by my Fine Gael colleague and Minister for Health, Simon Harris TD, in October last year was a great incentive for families to ensure their children are vaccinated. We are all aware of the dangers of Meningitis B and it is a critical investment in our future to immunise against it.Source

Do you support the use of nuclear energy? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny has called on the government to declare immediate and unconditional "war" on the British nuclear...Source

Should the children of migrants who live in French territories be allowed to join their families? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be allowed to hold dual citizenship status? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU impose a quota of migrants per country? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should migrant workers be paid the national minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes, migrant workers deserve the same rights as citizens Source

Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the country? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to learn English? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government provide welfare benefits to foreigners? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Source

Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should VAT rates be increased or decreased? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Decrease, to provide economic growth Fine Gael TD for Louth, Peter Fitzpatrick, has said that growth in the hotel and guesthouses market in Louth comes as a result of hard work and local entrepreneurship, as well as some essential Government measures such as the reduction in the VAT rate and the abolition of the travel tax. The latest quarterly barometer from the Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) shows that business is growing for hotels and guesthouse in Louth for the first six months of the year. This growth is a result of extremely hard work from local business people boosted by the reduction in the VAT rate and the abolition of the travel tax.Source

Do you support a universal basic income program? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No, there are too many other variables such as education, experience, and tenure that determine a fair salary Source

Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes, the government should intervene to boost a recovery Mr Noonan has said there will be €12 billion available over the lifetime of the next government and Fine Gael will split this so-called “fiscal space” between spending increases and tax cuts on a 70:30...Source

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Maintain the current rate The Dublin government's minister for public expenditure Paschal Donohoe said Ireland would be looking to other countries with similar tax regimes to help fight any potential clampdown led by Germany and other EU big guns. Even though the UK will be leaving, the rationale for our corporation tax regime hasn't changed," Mr Donohoe said. We've always been very clear that we have this particular system in place, which is transparent to offset other disadvantages that our economy has, not least the fact that we are a small, open economy but not part of the continent of Europe.Source

Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Hurt, I support some private unions but am strongly against public unions Source

Should the government provide tax incentives to private companies to keep jobs within the country? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Source

Should the government abolish the inheritance tax? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No, but increase the tax-free allowance Mr Kenny's plan to drastically increase the inheritance tax threshold from €280,000 to €500,000 over the lifetime of the next government will be set out in Fine Gael's election...Source

Do you support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Richard Bruton, and Fine Gael MEP for Ireland South, Sean Kelly, have said that the EU-US trade deal known as the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Agreement (TTIP) offers massive opportunities for the Irish economy. They were speaking at a TTIP information seminar, organised by Mr Kelly today (Tuesday) in Dublin.Source

Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government raise taxes on the rich? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Lower the income tax rate and remove all existing tax loopholes for large corporations Fine Gael will radically reduce income taxes if re-elected to Government in order to make Ireland a low-tax economy, Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said. Mr Kenny said rates of personal taxation in Ireland are too high in comparison to the United Kingdom and other countries and again repeated his pledge that the Universal Social Charge will be abolished in its entirety.Source

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Source

Should water charges be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No, but penalties should be levied on those who waste water. Fine Gael has confirmed it is unlikely to support the final report of the Oireachtas committee on water charges. This follows the party’s failure to change several of the key recommendations contained in the report. The party lost a number of attempts to introduce a charge for excessive use of water.Source

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Fine Gael Dublin South Central, TD Catherine Byrne, has said that the proposed rise in the minimum wage will help remove welfare traps and is in line with Fine Gael’s plans to make work pay more than welfare. Deputy Byrne was speaking after the launch of the Low Pay Commission report which recommends increasing the minimum wage to €9.15 per hour. Working is the best way out of poverty and Fine Gael wants to do everything possible to remove welfare traps and encourage people on long terms jobseekers’ benefit back to work.Source

Should bankers’ bonuses be capped at 100% of their pay? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes, and lower the cap to 20% Source

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the power-sharing provincial government be restored in Northern Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes I hope that by the end of June there will again be a power-sharing Executive in Northern Ireland which can directly engage in the UK wide processes relating to Brexit and work in partnership with Dublin through the North-South Ministerial...Source

Should the Seanad be a wholly elected body? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

Do you support a united Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Fine Gael is a united Ireland party and that remains an objective," he...Source

Should the government be able to monitor phone calls and emails? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Are you in favour of decriminalising drug use? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes, for most but not all drugs Source

Should there be term limits set for members of Congress? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government pass laws which protect whistleblowers? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes The key parts of the Bill address the problem of investigators from the Garda Síochána being snowed under with masses of documentation. We can all remember the boxes of files that were taken from Anglo Irish Bank headquarters a couple of years ago. Some files were not released on demand at the time, but this Bill will address that problem. The Bill also allows for investigators to work in a more efficient manner. The smart economy is about dealing with things much more efficiently. The Bill also takes into account the experiences of investigators in their efforts to pursue white collar crime. Practical experience gets practical results. I welcome the fact that the Minister took the time, in his relatively short period in office, to listen to the investigators who are being hindered in their pursuit of white collar criminals. To assist in the implementation of this Bill, it is necessary that we bring forward some whistleblower legislation. This will encourage people to bring forward information on their own companies, so that those who are participating in white collar crime can be quickly brought to court.Source

Should elected Members of Parliament in Northern Ireland be able to sit and participate in the Dáil? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No, but there should be a representative role for Irish citizens living abroad and in Northern Ireland in a reformed Seanad. Another positive aspect of this proposed change is that it would also allow graduates living abroad to have their say in the Oireachtas. There are a growing number of people from all educational backgrounds who have emigrated but would like to be connected to Ireland in some way, many of these people will return here and it is important that their voices’ be heard.Source

Should it be illegal to burn our national flag? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the free tuition fees scheme be available to foreign students? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

Should the Irish language remain a compulsory subject on the national curriculum? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Fine Gael has previously supported a policy making Irish optional in the Leaving Cert in the past, with the proposal previously being mooted in the Fine Gael manifesto prior to the last...Source

Should the UK abolish university tuition fees? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No, but the Student Maintenance Grant and Assistant Fund should be higher. Fine Gael will pledge to introduce a student loan scheme for third-level education if the party is returned to...Source

Should girls be allowed to wear the niqab or burka in Catholic Schools? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

Should the Seanad be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes In July 2009 at the MacGill Summer School, Enda Kenny announced that Fine Gael was embarking on a root and branch analysis of the political system. As part of that analysis, Fine Gael looked in detail at the role of the Seanad and came to the clear conclusion that reforming it was not realistic or achievable. The key difficulty with all of the proposals for reform is that they take the existence of the Seanad, with its widely-acknowledged flaws, as a given. It would either remain an unrepresentative elitist composition or a directly elected entity that would seek to duplicate the Dail. Instead, the correct approach is to start by asking whether we need a second House at all and Fine Gael doesn’t believe so.Source

Should corporations, unions, and non-profit organizations be allowed to donate to political parties? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No As part of the political reform measures we have already increased Dáil sitting days, made changes to increase the number of female politicians, effectively abolished corporate donations and we’ve implemented major reforms to local government. The abolition of the Seanad and the improvement to the Committee system is part of this overall reform to make our government work more effectively and efficiently for us.Source

Should a politician, who has been formerly convicted of a crime, be allowed to run for office? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the minimum voting age be lowered? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes, but only for local and Presidential elections. Fine Gael will reduce the voting age to 17 and give eligible citizens the right to vote at Irish embassies in the Presidential election. If this experiment is deemed a success Fine Gael will consider extending this practice to general...Source

Should political candidates be required to release their recent tax returns to the public? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: EU citizens should have the right to vote in local and european elections, UK citizens have should have the right to vote in all elections and non-EU citizens shoukd have the right to vote in local elections. Irish citizens may vote at every election and referendum; British citizens may vote at Dáil elections, European elections and local elections; Other European Union (EU) citizens may vote at European and local elections* Non-EU citizens may vote at local elections only.Source

Should Irish citizens, living abroad and in Northern Ireland, have the right to vote in presidential elections? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Speaking in Philadelphia, Enda Kenny said the proposed change, which will also apply to those living in Northern Ireland, will mark a “historic recognition of the strong and enduring links between Ireland and all our citizens, wherever they are in the world. Today’s announcement is a profound recognition of the importance that Ireland attaches to all of our citizens, wherever they may be. It is an opportunity for us to make our country stronger by allowing all of our citizens resident outside the State, including our emigrants, to vote in future presidential elections,” the Taoiseach said.Source

Do you support the practice of hunting foxes with dogs? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase environmental regulations on businesses to reduce carbon emissions? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No, and the current government is over-regulating businesses Source

Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No, we should pursue more sustainable energy resources instead Fine Gael TD for Sligo-Leitrim Tony McLoughlin’s Private Members Bill to ban fracking has been unanimously supported by the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Climate Action and Environment in a report released this week. Deputy McLoughlin said: “We are now one step closer to having an outright ban on fracking- the extraction and exploration of onshore shale gas and petroleum- in this country.Source

Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of genetically engineered crops and foods? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

Should convicted criminals have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes A spokesperson for Ms Fitzgerald said: "The minister is strongly of the view that greater remission must be earned and the central consideration when deciding whether or not to grant enhanced remission is the extent to which prisoners are less likely to re-offend and better able to reintegrate into society."Source

Should France continue to assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should laptops be banned on all direct flights departing from the Middle East? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

What is your stance on abortion? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child "The party allowed a free vote on the...Source

Should the government ban contraception? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Source

Do you support the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No The new Government are determined to embark on a major programme of civil and criminal law reform and to change procedures, where necessary, and to ensure that this is done at a reasonable pace. The process of codifying the criminal law will be started, and new laws, removing the death penalty; changing the libel laws; and governing telephone tapping will be introduced.Source

Do you support the legalisation of same sex marriage? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Fianna Fáil’s position on this referendum is clear and unequivocal. We believe that extending the right to marry to same sex couples is a basic matter of fairness. It is an important reaffirmation of the positive role of marriage in our society. It is a further step forward in the task of building a republic which recognises and supports the rights of all of its citizens.Source

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes We welcome the fact that this legislation is designed to take account of the growing complexity and diversity of modern families. We welcome the important changes to the laws on adoption, custody and assisted human reproduction. Whereas existing laws state that only married couples or sole applicants can seek to adopt a child, this legislation will extended the right to adopt to same-sex civil partners. It also allows cohabiting couples who have been living together for three years in a committed relationship to adopt children jointly.Source

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Source

Should women be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes We will improve equal gender representation at upper management levels of the public service and continue to works towards gender representation targets in state board...Source

Should the number of countries in the European Union be reduced to 15? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU sanction member countries with authoritarian governments? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Deputy Smith said, “The increasingly authoritarian style of the Ukrainian government should be of great concern to all democrats who support the concept of basic human rights. The European Union has a responsibility to bring about pressure on President Yanukovyck to stop the implementation of dramatic new laws banning almost all forms of protest activity. The violent suppression of the opposition to these laws is not acceptable. Sanctions must now be imposed on the Ukraine to show that the EU will not tolerate the abuse of power which it is currently witnessing on its doorstep."Source

Should it be illegal to join a boycott of Israel? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the military offensive against ISIS in the Iraqi city of Mosul? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease military spending? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Divert spending on Trident into supporting troops on the ground Source

Should the European Commission be dismantled? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK withdraw from the European Union? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: We need a EU not based on the interests of banks and major corporations but working people. Source

Should the EU evolve into the United States of Europe? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Ireland end its traditional policy of military neutrality? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: The safety of Irish people should come first. If that means we need to go to war to protect ourselves, so be it. But we should not go to war to fight for anything except Irish freedom. Source

Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Source

Should the UK be allowed to access European Markets once they leave the EU? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Regardless, Northern Ireland and its citizens should be considered a special case during negotiations. Given the scale of disruption which Brexit will cause even with a ‘soft border’, we believe that a form of special status should be considered in the negotiations. There are many models of special economic zones in the world which could be adapted. The rights of persons born in Northern Ireland or long-term residents of Northern Ireland to Irish and therefore European citizenship must be protected fully in the final agreement.Source

Should intelligence agencies be merged to create a central EU agency? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease foreign aid spending? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Increase We have earmarked an additional €80m in Overseas
Development Aid towards this goal and will invest further resources as economic growth...Source

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a single-payer healthcare system? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of Marijuana? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No People should be careful about what they say, in particular people in public life giving the impression that cannabis is fine and it won’t do you any harm. Every drug will do you harm if it is abused and that is the reality of...Source

Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes On 19 October last, I raised the need to give access to the Orkambi drug to cystic fibrosis, CF, patients. I pointed out that we have the highest number of people per head of population with cystic fibrosis. We should be in the vanguard in terms of research and new drug technologies.Source

Should Ireland adopt a public healthcare system similar to the NHS in Britain? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Fianna Fáil believes in a strong public health system with quality services as close to people as is possible. We believe a tax-funded system is more progressive as it allows the state more control over the overall health care bill. By contrast, a system of compulsory health insurance as proposed by government does not improve services for patients and it will actually introduce new charges. UHI would increase administrators in the health service and would put the future of smaller hospitals in the hands of the insurers. Fianna Fail believes that we need to provide more resources for healthcare. There needs to be extra beds provided so that constant overcrowding in Emergency departments can be controlled. We also need to employ more nurses and midwives.Source

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Less Fianna Fáil believes in a publicly funded, publicly delivered health care service, one that emphasises patient care above...Source

Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Fianna Fáil TD Jack Chambers has said the agreement reached between the IMO & Department of Health to introduce the Meningitis B and Rotavirus vaccinations beginning December 1st, is good news for newborns and their parents. The Department has agreed to provide GPs with an additional €80 a year for administering the two new vaccines in addition to the existing schedule of vaccines.Source

Do you support the use of nuclear energy? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Ireland needs to robustly defend its interests here. We cannot stand aside and watch Britain potentially build another harmful nuclear power plant, which could have a devastating environmental impact on the Irish Sea and on the Irish East...Source

Should the children of migrants who live in French territories be allowed to join their families? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be allowed to hold dual citizenship status? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes A Bill to be published by Fianna Fáil proposes to give illegal immigrants an opportunity to acquire residency rights and have their status regularised. The Migrant Earned Regulation Bill, 2015 is the idea of Fianna Fáil justice spokesman Niall Collins and shares some characteristics with legislation proposed by Senators John McCain and Ted Kennedy in the US in 2005. Mr Collins’s Bill proposes a scheme where illegal migrants can “earn” the right to have their status regularised. It would allow participants to accrue credits in a number of categories including employment, USC contributions, income tax, evidence that a parent was caring for a child or dependent relative, educational qualifications and continuous residency.Source

Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU impose a quota of migrants per country? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should migrant workers be paid the national minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Source

Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the country? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Fianna Fáil Leader Micheál Martin has said that it was morally wrong for US President, Donald Trump to impose a travel ban on the grounds on religion or nationality. Deputy Martin was speaking during Leaders’ Questions today in Dáil Éireann where he questioned the Taoiseach on what steps he had taken to let the Trump Administration know the deep unease being expressed across the Irish political spectrum about his recent Executive Order on immigration. “The events of the last seven days have left Irish people, and people across the world, very concerned. President Trump’s Executive Order has, for all intents and purposes, stigmatised an entire religion. “It contravenes the Geneva Convention, and it offends our concept of human decency. “There is no logic to the ban, and the Irish Government should make it crystal clear to President Trump that it opposes it.Source

Should immigrants be required to learn English? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government provide welfare benefits to foreigners? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Source

Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should VAT rates be increased or decreased? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Decrease, to provide economic growth This VAT increase will inevitably affect shopping patterns and will undoubtedly cause further job losses in an already distressed retail sector, particularly in the early part of...Source

Do you support a universal basic income program? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Gender inequality persists despite international research proving the business case for more women in corporate leadership positions. Female participation in the Irish labour market remains well below EU levels, and women in the workforce are still not treated on a par with men. The research also found that the earnings gap increases with the education level attained. Quality education boosts women’s economic empowerment yet this is not always reflected in their take home pay. Gender based pay inequality is sadly not exclusive to companies in the private sector, it is a just as prevalent in the public service. Both sectors must proactively address the issue by dealing with workplace discrimination and striving to adopt more family friendly work practices.Source

Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes, but in the form of tax breaks for low income citizens Fianna Fáil’s aim is to create conditions that will support an increase in employment throughout the economy. We will do this by delivering a tax regime that rewards individual effort and enterprise, tackling anti-competitive practices and enhancing skills levels supporting high quality sustainable jobs.Source

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Raise The move in the Budget to lower Corporation Tax is not only regressive but it will undermine the progress which has been made to date, in attempting to close the loopholes in legislation which Multi-National companies are currently...Source

Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Hurt, I support some private unions but am strongly against public unions Source

Should the government provide tax incentives to private companies to keep jobs within the country? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Jobs Dara Calleary says tax measures unveiled by Sinn Fein today are bad for business and will be bad for jobs. Reacting to the proposal to introduce a new 15.75% rate of Employers PRSI on a portion of salary in excess of €100,000, Deputy Calleary said, “These are exactly the sort of policies that are counter productive at a time when we are trying to attract high skilled, well paid jobs. Initiatives such as this will repel future multinational investment as well as threatening existing jobs. “An increase in PRSI will make it more difficult for Ireland to compete with other countries for much sought after investment and job opportunities. Unlike Sinn Fein and it’s anti-jobs strategy, Fianna Fáil is a pro-enterprise party, which has developed incentives to attract FDI companies as well as ensuring that small and medium businesses have the supports they need to expand and grow”.Source

Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Source

Should the government abolish the inheritance tax? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No, reform so the tax rate is based on the wealth of the recipient rather than the deceased Prior to the budget I proposed an immediate increase to €300,000 with a clear commitment to raise the threshold further in future years. I also believe there is a need to apply an annual indexation to thresholds based on the Residential Property Price Index to give greater certainty in the application of CAT.Source

Do you support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes, but with more transparency Fianna Fáil supports the principle of removing barriers to trade. This is essential for Ireland to be successful. However, we also believe that trade deals must be fair and must protect the position of states which aim to ensure high living and employment standards. An ambitious and comprehensive TTIP (Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership) agreement between the EU and United States has the potential to add up to 10,000 jobs to the Irish economy across a wide range of businesses. However there are a number of issues that cannot be compromised around food standards and investor-state-dispute-settlement (ISDS) mechanisms to protect Irish interests before full support can be given.Source

Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Finance Michael McGrath has called for the Offshore Assets Group of Revenue to fully investigate the information which is coming to light from the “HSBC leaks” files. A dedicated unit of the Revenue Commissioners, the Offshore Assets Group, was set up in 2001 and to date has collected close to €1bn in taxes and penalties. Deputy McGrath commented: “So far 20 Irish account holders have made settlements with the Revenue Commissioners worth over €4.5m relating to the Swiss branch of HSBC. While this is a significant amount of money in itself it is relatively small in the context of the amount of money that has been found to be held offshore. There may be scope for a considerable additional windfall for the Exchequer from a full investigation of the source of all funds held by Irish residents in these accounts and whether their tax liabilities have been fully met. The unit must be resourced adequately to meet this need. Ordinary taxpayers have been shocked by revelations of elaborate tax evasion schemes conducted through a labyrinth of off shore arrangements. They can reasonably expect that every effort is made to clamp down on this sort of activity and recoup the revenue that the State was denied.”Source

Should the government raise taxes on the rich? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No, but lower taxes for the poor Extending social welfare protection to self-employed people achieves a measure of social equality. In addition, it reduces the risk for those entrepreneurs who wish to start up their own businesses by providing a safety net. To facilitate this, we propose to allow the self-employed to opt into PRSI Class A. They would pay an extra 4% PRSI under Class A, in addition to their existing Class S contribution. The same terms and conditions would then apply for the unemployed self-employed as they do for the unemployed PAYE employee.Source

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Fewer, and ensure benefits go to those that need it most Cllr Lahart explained, “Thousands of people across Dublin are being forced to wait months for decisions as a result of unacceptable delays in the social welfare appeals process. This is leading to months of stress and anxiety, not to mention the financial burden that is placed on these families while they wait for a decision.Source

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Source

Should water charges be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Fianna Fáil consistently opposed the creation of Irish Water. The controversy of consultancy costs, bonuses and overstaffing at the super quango has borne out our...Source

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Fianna Fáil has recommended a 6.4% increase in the National Minimum Wage (NMW) to €9.20 as part of the party’s submission to Low Pay...Source

Should bankers’ bonuses be capped at 100% of their pay? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes The Fianna Fáil bill builds on the pension reductions already imposed on retired public servants and proposes tiered reductions in pension entitlements of over €100,000 by between 20% and 40% for banking executives and retired executives in the covered institutions (guaranteed banks). In view of the exceptional level of support provided by the State to the covered institutions, I believe the introduction of legislation to reduce certain pension entitlements is reasonable and justified.Source

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the power-sharing provincial government be restored in Northern Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes, but the present parliamentary system is in need of reform. In the talks, Sinn Fein is demanding legal rights for Irish speakers, the legalisation of gay marriage and official inquiries into historic...Source

Should the Seanad be a wholly elected body? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No, but there should be a significant majority of Senators who are directly elected through universal suffrage. Launching the bill today, the party leader Micheál Martin said that his proposals are giving “the kind of fundamental reform that the people were looking for and that the people deserve” within the constraints of the current Constitution. The bill proposes that 43 of the 60 seats would be elected through universal suffrage with everyone eligible to vote in the Dáil elections also able to vote for the Seanad. Citizens living in the North, and anyone holding an Irish passport will also be able to apply to vote in the elections. The six university seats would be opened-up to allow all third-level graduates to vote – a reform already proposed by the current government. The Taoiseach’s 11 nominees remain but he or she will be required to consider representation of the elderly, the young, the ‘new Irish’ community, the Irish diaspora, disabled people, sporting organisations, the arts and the Traveller community and consider persons nominated by interest groups in these areas.Source

Should the government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No, but we should increase funding and support for addiction treatment. Source

Do you support a united Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Party leader Micheál Martin says he believes Irish unity is possible in his lifetime but that serious work needs to be done to prepare for such a...Source

Should the government be able to monitor phone calls and emails? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No The idea that someone or some organization is engaged in covertly monitoring the ombudsman is deeply unsettling and risks undermining public confidence. The Minister needs to come forward and explain whether he has spoken to the Ombudsman and whether he was aware of this surveillance.Source

Are you in favour of decriminalising drug use? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No, we should pass tougher drug laws Develop and implement an effective National Substance Misuse Strategy inclusive of all drugs including alcohol and...Source

Should there be term limits set for members of Congress? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No We support the introduction of a mixed list system, electing TDs through the traditional constituency system and supplementing these TDs with TDs elected via a national...Source

Should the government pass laws which protect whistleblowers? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Fianna Fáil has welcomed the publication of the Guerin report and has called on the Government to immediately set about establishing a full Commission of Inquiry into the gross mishandling of allegations raised by garda...Source

Should elected Members of Parliament in Northern Ireland be able to sit and participate in the Dáil? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No, but there should be a representative role for Irish citizens living abroad and in Northern Ireland within a reformed Seanad. Fianna Fáil has published a bill to reform the Seanad and broaden its electorate to allow everyone who is eligible to vote in Dáil elections as well as Irish citizens in the North and abroad to elect members for the upper...Source

Should it be illegal to burn our national flag? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the free tuition fees scheme be available to foreign students? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Source

Should the Irish language remain a compulsory subject on the national curriculum? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes An Ireland for All even tries gamely to put some actual figures on the value of our “immeasurable treasure”. The implementation of the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish language, for example, is worth about €3 million a year, a substantial increase on current – woefully inadequate – funding. The education section of the policy begins with the claim that Fianna Fáil would “ensure Irish remains at the heart of our Junior and Leaving Certificate Curriculum”.Source

Should the UK abolish university tuition fees? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No, but they should be reduced At third level, Fianna Fáil will reinstate maintenance grants for post grad education to remove the financial barriers which have arisen under Fine Gael and Labour. We will also freeze tuition fees, link the Student Maintenance Grant to inflation and double the Student Assistance Fund for those in financial distress.Source

Should girls be allowed to wear the niqab or burka in Catholic Schools? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Source

Should the Seanad be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No The Seanad is a safeguard on government power. This government has systematically broken its pre-election promises to change how the system works and concentrated power into fewer and fewer hands. A reformed Seanad can make sure that power does not go unquestioned either with this government or even more importantly unknown future governments. Voting NO will make sure we have a Seanad to keep a close check on government power.Source

Should corporations, unions, and non-profit organizations be allowed to donate to political parties? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No In February nearly every member of this House stood on a platform of banning corporate donations. There was no equivocation and no party put a get out clause in the footnotes of its manifesto. This is a reform which the public demand and which we have a duty to deliver sooner not later. Deep restrictions on corporate donations can be introduced in legislation but a complete ban can only be implemented by amending the constitution. The text which is contained in this Bill incorporates the simple and powerful premise that elections should be funded by the people entitled to vote in elections. No organisation or company has a vote and their complete removal from the funding of parties would be an important symbol in the battle to restore faith in Irish politics.Source

Should a politician, who has been formerly convicted of a crime, be allowed to run for office? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the minimum voting age be lowered? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Fianna Fáil believes in the principle of votes at 16, and included a commitment in our 2016 General Election manifesto to reduce the voting age from 18 to 16 for the 2019 Local Elections on a trial...Source

Should political candidates be required to release their recent tax returns to the public? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Irish citizens, living abroad and in Northern Ireland, have the right to vote in presidential elections? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes In order to fulfill the democratic aspirations of all our people we must allow all Irish citizens the right to vote in our presidential elections including Irish citizens in the North. There are other European examples of parliamentary representation for citizens living outside of the State and a reformed Seanad should extend the right to vote to Irish citizens abroad.Source

Do you support the practice of hunting foxes with dogs? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase environmental regulations on businesses to reduce carbon emissions? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes, and provide more incentives for alternative energy production Source

Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: yes, but more research should be carried out into long term effects Source

Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of genetically engineered crops and foods? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Source

Should convicted criminals have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No "While it is accepted there is an issue with overcrowding in our prisons, any solution must put the victims of crime, their families and our communities first.” “When considered in conjunction with Minister Shatter’s policy of closing Garda stations, this is yet another instance of this Government putting the safety and welfare of our communities second. I am asking Minister Shatter to immediately clarify his proposals and confirm no individual convicted of a violent or sexual offence will be considered for this amnesty”, concluded Councillor Devlin.Source

Should France continue to assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should laptops be banned on all direct flights departing from the Middle East? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

What is your stance on abortion? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government ban contraception? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of same sex marriage? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should women be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the number of countries in the European Union be reduced to 15? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU sanction member countries with authoritarian governments? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should it be illegal to join a boycott of Israel? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the military offensive against ISIS in the Iraqi city of Mosul? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease military spending? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the European Commission be dismantled? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK withdraw from the European Union? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU evolve into the United States of Europe? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Ireland end its traditional policy of military neutrality? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK be allowed to access European Markets once they leave the EU? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should intelligence agencies be merged to create a central EU agency? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease foreign aid spending? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a single-payer healthcare system? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of Marijuana? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Ireland adopt a public healthcare system similar to the NHS in Britain? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of nuclear energy? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the children of migrants who live in French territories be allowed to join their families? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be allowed to hold dual citizenship status? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU impose a quota of migrants per country? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should migrant workers be paid the national minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the country? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to learn English? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government provide welfare benefits to foreigners? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should VAT rates be increased or decreased? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a universal basic income program? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government provide tax incentives to private companies to keep jobs within the country? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government abolish the inheritance tax? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government raise taxes on the rich? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should water charges be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should bankers’ bonuses be capped at 100% of their pay? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the power-sharing provincial government be restored in Northern Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the Seanad be a wholly elected body? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a united Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Republican Sinn Féin believes that the historic Irish nation is a distinct, coherent unit and is entitled to exercise its own independence. Because of the history of our own country we identify with national liberation struggles around the world. We believe, in the words of one of the 18-Century founders of Irish Republicanism, Wolfe Tone, in the urgent need to “break the connection with England, the never-failing source of all our political evils”. We stand for the complete overthrow of British rule in Ireland.Source

Should the government be able to monitor phone calls and emails? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Are you in favour of decriminalising drug use? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be term limits set for members of Congress? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government pass laws which protect whistleblowers? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should elected Members of Parliament in Northern Ireland be able to sit and participate in the Dáil? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should it be illegal to burn our national flag? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the free tuition fees scheme be available to foreign students? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the Irish language remain a compulsory subject on the national curriculum? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK abolish university tuition fees? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should girls be allowed to wear the niqab or burka in Catholic Schools? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the Seanad be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should corporations, unions, and non-profit organizations be allowed to donate to political parties? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should a politician, who has been formerly convicted of a crime, be allowed to run for office? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the minimum voting age be lowered? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should political candidates be required to release their recent tax returns to the public? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Irish citizens, living abroad and in Northern Ireland, have the right to vote in presidential elections? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the practice of hunting foxes with dogs? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase environmental regulations on businesses to reduce carbon emissions? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of genetically engineered crops and foods? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should convicted criminals have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should France continue to assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should laptops be banned on all direct flights departing from the Middle East? ^{stats discuss}

Republican Sinn Féin have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

What is your stance on abortion? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Pro-choice The Workers’ Party believes in a woman’s right to choose and supports the provision of free and safe abortion in Ireland which will include practical facilities to support women seeking an abortion and quality post-abortion...Source

Should the government ban contraception? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: No "The Workers’ Party supports a full programme of secular sex education for schools, free access to contraception, proper health and social care for pregnant women, the provision of appropriate free and quality child care facilities and adequate support for single and low income parents."Source

Do you support the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of same sex marriage? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Yes “The lives of thousands of people in this state have been blighted due to prejudice, intolerance and legislation based on the sexual morality of one faith group being incorporated into the constitution. It is intolerable that this discrimination still exists today and therefore we ask the government to finalise the date for the referendum without delay”.Source

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Yes “The lives of thousands of people in this state have been blighted due to prejudice, intolerance and legislation based on the sexual morality of one faith group being incorporated into the...Source

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should women be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the number of countries in the European Union be reduced to 15? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU sanction member countries with authoritarian governments? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should it be illegal to join a boycott of Israel? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the military offensive against ISIS in the Iraqi city of Mosul? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease military spending? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the European Commission be dismantled? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK withdraw from the European Union? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Yes The Workers’ Party believes that the EU serves the interests of big business and the multi-national companies. This is clearly demonstrated by the plans for TTIP. The EU, and its vast bureaucracy, is inherently anti-democratic. It has been instrumental in the attacks on the social and economic conditions of working people.Source

Should the EU evolve into the United States of Europe? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: No The Workers’ Party believes that the EU serves the interests of big business and the multi-national companies. This is clearly demonstrated by the plans for TTIP. The EU, and its vast bureaucracy, is inherently anti-democratic. It has been instrumental in the attacks on the social and economic conditions of working people. Irish neutrality is under attack. Fortress Europe is being constructed with contempt for democratic rights. Increasingly the EU coalesces with NATO in its aggression against sovereign states.Source

Should Ireland end its traditional policy of military neutrality? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: No The Workers’ Party is committed to: ending the illegal use of Shannon Airport by the US Airforce as a refuelling depot and transit hub. ending the illegal use of Shannon Airport by the CIA. fulfilling Ireland’s international human rights responsibilities by investigating the past and present use of Shannon airport for illegal activities, including extraordinary rendition by the CIA.Source

Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK be allowed to access European Markets once they leave the EU? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should intelligence agencies be merged to create a central EU agency? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease foreign aid spending? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a single-payer healthcare system? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Yes Introducing a universal publicly funded health system through general taxation and free at the point of delivery model of Health and Social Care...Source

Do you support the legalisation of Marijuana? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Ireland adopt a public healthcare system similar to the NHS in Britain? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Yes Introducing a universal publicly funded health system through general taxation and free at the point of delivery model of Health and Social Care...Source

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Less Ending all State subsidies to the private health care sector, including the insurance sector, and ending all HSE contracts with private for profit organisations. The State directly employing staff to carry out all health care roles. Introducing a direct state contract for General Practitioners and consultants which precludes them from working outside of the public health care system.Source

Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of nuclear energy? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the children of migrants who live in French territories be allowed to join their families? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be allowed to hold dual citizenship status? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU impose a quota of migrants per country? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should migrant workers be paid the national minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the country? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to learn English? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government provide welfare benefits to foreigners? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Yes "That workers who are receiving social welfare payments, whether due to unemployment, illness, or long-term disability be treated with respect and dignity and that the current demeaning and insulting attitude of the state and state agencies to the unemployed cease immediately."Source

Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should VAT rates be increased or decreased? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a universal basic income program? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government provide tax incentives to private companies to keep jobs within the country? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government abolish the inheritance tax? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government raise taxes on the rich? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Fewer "That workers who are receiving social welfare payments, whether due to unemployment, illness, or long-term disability be treated with respect and dignity and that the current demeaning and insulting attitude of the state and state agencies to the unemployed cease immediately."Source

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should water charges be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should bankers’ bonuses be capped at 100% of their pay? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the power-sharing provincial government be restored in Northern Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the Seanad be a wholly elected body? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a united Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government be able to monitor phone calls and emails? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Are you in favour of decriminalising drug use? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be term limits set for members of Congress? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government pass laws which protect whistleblowers? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should elected Members of Parliament in Northern Ireland be able to sit and participate in the Dáil? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should it be illegal to burn our national flag? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the free tuition fees scheme be available to foreign students? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party’s answer: Yes "Education should be free to all, including migrant children and asylum seekers, from pre-school up to and including postgraduate...Source

Should the Irish language remain a compulsory subject on the national curriculum? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK abolish university tuition fees? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should girls be allowed to wear the niqab or burka in Catholic Schools? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the Seanad be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should corporations, unions, and non-profit organizations be allowed to donate to political parties? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should a politician, who has been formerly convicted of a crime, be allowed to run for office? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the minimum voting age be lowered? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should political candidates be required to release their recent tax returns to the public? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Irish citizens, living abroad and in Northern Ireland, have the right to vote in presidential elections? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the practice of hunting foxes with dogs? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase environmental regulations on businesses to reduce carbon emissions? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of genetically engineered crops and foods? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should convicted criminals have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should France continue to assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should laptops be banned on all direct flights departing from the Middle East? ^{stats discuss}

Workers’ Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

What is your stance on abortion? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Pro-life, but allow in cases of rape, incest, or danger to the mother or child The Green Party supports the repeal of the 8th amendment of the constitution and we seek this referendum on the repeal of the 8th amendment as soon as possible. Upon repeal of the 8th amendment the Green Party will support legislation that includes lawful termination in the cases of rape, incest, fatal foetal abnormality and risk to health of the mother, subject to the criteria given in our Reproductive Rights policy.Source

Should the government ban contraception? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: No The Green Party support measures to empower people to take control of their sexual and reproductive health. This requires the right to freedom from coercion (through violence or economic necessity) as well as ensuring that people have access to information and to contraception.Source

Do you support the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of same sex marriage? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes The Green Party today joined with locals for a peaceful protest outside the venue in Kilkenny where controversial evangelical pastor Angus Buchan was speaking this evening. The Greens said that while it was important to uphold values of free assembly and free speech in a democracy, that it was equally important that free assembly included the right for people to voice their opposition to intolerance and prejudice. Speaking following the event, local Green Party Councillor and Environment Spokesperson, Cllr. Malcolm Noonan said that he was there in solidarity with the LGBTI community, not just in Kilkenny but worldwide, and that he saw no place for Mr Buchan’s views on homosexuality or the degradation of women in society. He said: “We are so lucky to be living in the first country in the world to endorse same sex marriage by popular vote. Yet in many countries being gay is a crime, punishable by imprisonment and persecution. Angus Buchan is spreading hate and intolerance and we here in Kilkenny wish to send out a strong message that we do not accept his worldview. Our presence here today is a peaceful way of saying to him that he can be cured of his homophobia and we are here to help and support him on that journey. Cllr Noonan urged the Government to move quickly to introduce hate speech laws in Ireland to strengthen the 1989 Incitement to Hatred Act. “It could be argued that what Mr Buchan says at an event organised by a local community group is not of public concern. In our view it is a matter of public concern and cuts to the very core of our basic decency as a society. Those of us who uphold those values of decency have a responsibility to ensure that these dangerous and outdated views are challenged at every turn.” concluded Cllr Noonan.Source

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes The Green Party proposes that in Ireland there should be a statutory right to an assisted death which would be distinguished in law from suicide, assisted suicide, and euthanasia. Assisted dying provisions should apply only to those with a terminal illness which is likely to result in death within six months. The Green Party proposes to ensure that a person who is terminally ill will have the right to request and lawfully be provided with assistance to end their own life. Such a right would only apply where the person has a clear and settled intention to end their own life which is proved by making, and signing, a written declaration to that effect. Such a declaration must be countersigned by two qualified doctors.Source

Should women be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the number of countries in the European Union be reduced to 15? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU sanction member countries with authoritarian governments? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes "In the near-term, European governments, our own included,need to make clear to Russia that holding Europe to ransom is not acceptable.We can support targeted sanctions against the Russian economy, but the only credible long-term response to this threat is to fast-track our own energy transition. Half of the electricity generated in Ireland comes from the burning of natural gas. We have a ready alternative to that option through investment in energy efficiency measures, the use of our wind and solar resources, andthrough greater grid interconnection with our neighbours. It is time for European countries to stand together in developing those alternatives, rather than continuing to hand over a king's ransom to dictators and oligarchs."Source

Should it be illegal to join a boycott of Israel? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the military offensive against ISIS in the Iraqi city of Mosul? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should every 18 year old citizen be required to provide at least one year of military service? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease military spending? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the European Commission be dismantled? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK withdraw from the European Union? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: No The Green Party today, Saturday, 27 February 2016, confirmed that it will campaign to stay within the European Union. Deputy leader Clare Bailey said today, Saturday, 27 February 2016. As part of the European Green Party movement, we recognise that we need to take a holistic view of the future. The EU institutions, while far from perfect, have given us many benefits such as defending workers’ rights, freedom of movement, protecting the environment and, of course, the European Human Rights Act. If we want to see changes, we need to be in the EU to achieve those changes. Europe has so much potential. We are being asked to vote in a referendum with a yes or no outcome, which is overly simplistic. It is not just about money and the myth that we will be financially better off if we left the EU.Source

Should the EU evolve into the United States of Europe? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Ireland end its traditional policy of military neutrality? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the U.S. accept refugees from Syria? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the UK be allowed to access European Markets once they leave the EU? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should intelligence agencies be merged to create a central EU agency? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease foreign aid spending? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Increase The Green Party would allocate €1.5 billion additional spending in the 2016 budget in support of better education, health, transport, and social welfare services as well as allowing for a rise in public sector pay and a reversal of recent cuts in lone parents allowance and overseas development aid.Source

Should the government increase funding for mental health research and treatment? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a single-payer healthcare system? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of Marijuana? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes 19th October 2016 The Green Party have called for the decriminalisation of drug use and the legalisation of cannabis for medical use among their recommendations to the Government’s new National Drugs Strategy. The public consultation on the new strategy closed yesterday. Speaking in support of the submission, Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: “Opportunities for open consultation on government policy are very welcome, particularly when it comes to matters as important as our National Drugs Strategy, and we’re glad that the Government sought submissions on this issue. There has to be an acceptance that the current situation in Ireland is not working for anyone, and that a new National Drugs Strategy presents an opportunity to change this. “The Green Party supports implementing a regime of decriminalising drug use in Ireland, along the lines of Portuguese reforms in 2001. The Portuguese model reduces the burden on law enforcement and the criminal justice system, facilitates better research on the health impact of drugs and undermines the profit making abilities of criminal gangs. The current system is not working, so we’d like to see the new National Drugs Strategy address the inherent shortcomings.” Green Party spokesperson for Health, Dr. Séamus McMenamin, says that a focus on harm-reduction is not only more compassionate but more effective in tackling drug use. He said: “International best practice is moving towards this harm-reduction model over a criminal-justice approach. This is partly because honest interactions with drug users can better inform our research into issues around drugs. This doesn't happen when drug users are treated like criminals. The Green Party proposes injection centres that provide medically-supervised access to drugs to aid rehabilitation, the legal status of drugs to be reviewed in light of evidence for medical benefits, in particular the legalisation of cannabis for medical use, and drug testing kits being made available to the public in places like night clubs and music festivals, to prioritise public health in those circumstances.” Summary of Green Party recommendations: 1. A time-frame for decriminalising the use of drugs in national law. 2. A review of the legal status of drugs with established medicinal properties. 3. A particular review of the legal status of cannabis. 4. Legal availability of cannabis products for medically-prescribed use. 5. Research focus on effective intervention with young adult drug users. 6. Provision of information exchange between drug users and researchers. 7. Provision of centres for safe access to drugs under medical supervision. 8. Provision of drug-testing services. 9. Monitoring quality and public health impact of drugs on the Irish market. 10. Research focus on lifestyle factors that reduce the likelihood of drug use. 11. Research focus and public education on effective rehabilitation strategies. 12. Require sports clubs to promote responsible alcohol consumption.Source

Should the government regulate the prices of life-saving drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes, and we should socialise medicine and healthcare We recognise that the health-care we provide is costly to the state and to its citizens. More efficient patient-centred healthcare costs less because people are empowered to make choices that benefit them in the long term. The correct incentives should also be in place to ensure that different services are integrated to deliver the best results. The Green Party strongly disagrees with other parties who prioritise tax cuts over solving the crisis in the Health Service. This approach appears to be costly in the short term, but when waste, duplication of services caused by competition and perverse incentives in the current two-tier system are removed, there will be significant savings. The Green Party: Believes in a single-tier health system based on need rather than the ability to pay. The fairest and most progressive way to achieve this is by funding from general taxation Supports multi-annual budgeting, Activity Based Costing and blended Capitation Schemes to incentivise efficient targeted use of resources throughout our health system Supports the introduction of small charges for all medical services, to be paid at point of use of those services, subject to a person’s medical need and their ability to pay Will phase out all tax incentives and public sector concessions for those who purchase or provide private health care services and private health-care insurance. Negotiate medication costs regionally based on EU procurement best practices, with specialist advice to ensure that we get the best medications at the most cost-effective price, without the risks of drug shortagesSource

Should Ireland adopt a public healthcare system similar to the NHS in Britain? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes The Green Party/Comhaontas Glas believes in a systematic approach to universal healthcare, built around patient empowerment and preventative methods, supported by information technology, accessed on the basis of medical need, and executed in an economic, equitable and ecological manner.Source

Should there be more or less privatisation of hospital and healthcare services? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Less, and provide more government funding We recognise that the health-care we provide is costly to the state and to its citizens. More efficient patient-centred healthcare costs less because people are empowered to make choices that benefit them in the long term. The correct incentives should also be in place to ensure that different services are integrated to deliver the best results. The Green Party strongly disagrees with other parties who prioritise tax cuts over solving the crisis in the Health Service. This approach appears to be costly in the short term, but when waste, duplication of services caused by competition and perverse incentives in the current two-tier system are removed, there will be significant savings. The Green Party: Believes in a single-tier health system based on need rather than the ability to pay. The fairest and most progressive way to achieve this is by funding from general taxation Supports multi-annual budgeting, Activity Based Costing and blended Capitation Schemes to incentivise efficient targeted use of resources throughout our health system Supports the introduction of small charges for all medical services, to be paid at point of use of those services, subject to a person’s medical need and their ability to pay Will phase out all tax incentives and public sector concessions for those who purchase or provide private health care services and private health-care insurance. Negotiate medication costs regionally based on EU procurement best practices, with specialist advice to ensure that we get the best medications at the most cost-effective price, without the risks of drug shortagesSource

Should the government require children to be vaccinated for preventable diseases? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of nuclear energy? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: No Cllr Smyth said: "We need to be clear: no one serious is arguing that nuclear power is a viable option for Ireland. No reputable grid engineers are saying that we could integrate a nuclear power source without almost insurmountable challenges and astronomical costs. The UK's newest nuclear facility requires a strike price guarantee at double the current market rate and is projected to cost over."Source

Should the children of migrants who live in French territories be allowed to join their families? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be allowed to hold dual citizenship status? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to pass a citizenship test to demonstrate a basic understanding of our country’s language, history, and government? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the EU impose a quota of migrants per country? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase or decrease the amount of temporary work visas given to high-skilled immigrant workers? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should migrant workers be paid the national minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be deported if they commit a serious crime? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should there be a temporary ban on all immigration into the country? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should immigrants be required to learn English? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government provide welfare benefits to foreigners? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should welfare recipients be tested for drugs? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should VAT rates be increased or decreased? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a universal basic income program? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should employers be required to pay men and women the same salary for the same job? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes Green Party Deputy Leader and Spokesperson for Education, Catherine Martin TD, today reiterated her call on the Government to commit to the principle of equal pay for equal work, as the issue once again came to the fore as 3 teaching unions held their annual conferences this week. Speaking today, Deputy Martin said: “It is clear from the 3 teaching unions conferences that equal pay for equal work is still the burning issue for the teaching profession, and the prospect of strikes have been raised again. “The Government has continually refused to commit to the principle of equal pay for equal work or even outlining a stated timeline for its implementation. Failure to commit to this basic principle threatens further strikes and disruption. The Green Party is calling for the Government to commit to the principle of equal pay for equal work for all public sector workers, from clerical officers to teachers.Source

Should the government use economic stimulus to aid the country during times of recession? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes, but in the form of increased spending on infrastructure Our submission takes three approaches in providing for better public services ahead of tax cuts, leveraging greater capital investment in critical infrastructure and promoting local enterprise through reforming the local property tax (replacing it with a site value tax) and a new regional public banking system.Source

Should the government raise or lower the tax rate for corporations? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Keep current rates but eliminate deductions and loop holes "We are also encouraging the Irish government to support measures such as country-by-country reporting to provide greater transparency of what is happening in the increasingly globalised capitalist system. We need to recognise the reputational damage caused by the practice of 'tax inversion', where US companies fold into an Irish subsidiary in order to avoid tax in the US, and be transparent about the companies which invert here. Overall, we should adopt a tax policy which follows the guiding principle of BEPS: that taxation should follow real economic activity." Green Party Leader, Eamon Ryan said: "We are calling on the government to join with the eleven other nations who comprise 90% of Eurozone GDP, and commit to introducing the Financial Transaction Tax (FTT). The FTT is weapon in the armoury of governments seeking to prevent another financial crisis sparked by excessive speculation and leveraged trading instruments. The future for the Irish Financial Services Centre has to be in more responsible long-term funding instruments and project finance, which would not be threatened by a tax focused on short-term trading activity."Source

Do you believe labor unions help or hurt the economy? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government provide tax incentives to private companies to keep jobs within the country? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should pension payments be increased for retired government workers? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government abolish the inheritance tax? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP)? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: No The Green Party has today reacted against the position the Irish Government are taking on TTIP. Minister Dara Murphy's assertion in Brussels today that huge financial gains were possible for Ireland do not stand up to rigorous investigation. Eamon Ryan said: "In supporting TTIP in its current form the Government are promoting an economic growth model that ignores the value of social and environmental capital. Their refusal to listen to the legitimate concerns that are being are being raised about the agreement is highly disappointing. Furthermore, it is shocking that the Labour Party are prepared to gamble with hard-won employment rights in order to further pad the bank balances of the world's biggest companies, and it only goes to show how far they have drifted from their founding principles.Source

Should the government classify Bitcoin as a legal currency? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government raise taxes on the rich? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said: "Come what may, we need to raise some €3 billion in new taxation measures over the next three years, just to meet day-to-day bills in health, education and social welfare. If we rely too much on income tax, we will make the country uncompetitive. If we raise it from consumption taxes, it will be unfair on the poor. It makes sense then to put some form of tax on inherited, non-productive wealth, and in Ireland that must mean the introduction of a property tax."Source

Should there be fewer or more restrictions on current welfare benefits? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should water charges be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: No, but penalties should be levied on those who waste water. The Green Party’s position on water has been consistent for a decade. We will continue to advocate for penalties for wasters of water. The water meters have been installed in 60% of properties. We have a huge job to do in detecting and repairing leaks both in the public network and on private properties. We have obligations under the Water Framework Directive. It is not rocket science as to what needs to be done here. Fianna Fáil, however, have abandoned any semblance of good public policy in favour of easy answers and populism.Source

Should the government raise the federal minimum wage? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes The Green Party has today published its submission to the Low Pay Commission which includes a direct recommendation for the minimum wage to be increased to €9.20 and for the minimum wage to be linked to the consumer Price Index. Green Party Finance Spokesperson, Cllr Mark Dearey said today: "This submission sets out our clear belief that the minimum wage must rise to reflect the changes to the cost of living since the imposition of the current rate in 2007. This small increase will mean a huge amount to those at the lower end of the wage scale.Source

Should bankers’ bonuses be capped at 100% of their pay? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should internet service providers be allowed to speed up access to popular websites (that pay higher rates) at the expense of slowing down access to less popular websites (that pay lower rates)? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: No, treat all traffic equally and continue the openness of the internet Support net neutrality. The internet should remain an equal playing field. Your ISP shouldn’t be allowed to charge you more to access selected parts of the...Source

Should the power-sharing provincial government be restored in Northern Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes The Executive parties should have the confidence, vision and willingness to work together for the common good. If they can't do that because of fear over their own position, maybe it’s time to let the people decide and give them back the power. I am calling on the Secretary of State to publish the best compromise and put it to a vote. If the five Executive parties can't put the interests of the people of Northern Ireland ahead of their own then let the people have their say. Let us all decide if the compromises are worth making.Source

Should the Seanad be a wholly elected body? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support a united Ireland? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government be able to monitor phone calls and emails? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Are you in favour of decriminalising drug use? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes 19th October 2016 The Green Party have called for the decriminalisation of drug use and the legalisation of cannabis for medical use among their recommendations to the Government’s new National Drugs Strategy. The public consultation on the new strategy closed yesterday. Speaking in support of the submission, Green Party Leader Eamon Ryan TD said: “Opportunities for open consultation on government policy are very welcome, particularly when it comes to matters as important as our National Drugs Strategy, and we’re glad that the Government sought submissions on this issue. There has to be an acceptance that the current situation in Ireland is not working for anyone, and that a new National Drugs Strategy presents an opportunity to change this. “The Green Party supports implementing a regime of decriminalising drug use in Ireland, along the lines of Portuguese reforms in 2001. The Portuguese model reduces the burden on law enforcement and the criminal justice system, facilitates better research on the health impact of drugs and undermines the profit making abilities of criminal gangs. The current system is not working, so we’d like to see the new National Drugs Strategy address the inherent shortcomings.” Green Party spokesperson for Health, Dr. Séamus McMenamin, says that a focus on harm-reduction is not only more compassionate but more effective in tackling drug use. He said: “International best practice is moving towards this harm-reduction model over a criminal-justice approach. This is partly because honest interactions with drug users can better inform our research into issues around drugs. This doesn't happen when drug users are treated like criminals. The Green Party proposes injection centres that provide medically-supervised access to drugs to aid rehabilitation, the legal status of drugs to be reviewed in light of evidence for medical benefits, in particular the legalisation of cannabis for medical use, and drug testing kits being made available to the public in places like night clubs and music festivals, to prioritise public health in those circumstances.” Summary of Green Party recommendations: 1. A time-frame for decriminalising the use of drugs in national law. 2. A review of the legal status of drugs with established medicinal properties. 3. A particular review of the legal status of cannabis. 4. Legal availability of cannabis products for medically-prescribed use. 5. Research focus on effective intervention with young adult drug users. 6. Provision of information exchange between drug users and researchers. 7. Provision of centres for safe access to drugs under medical supervision. 8. Provision of drug-testing services. 9. Monitoring quality and public health impact of drugs on the Irish market. 10. Research focus on lifestyle factors that reduce the likelihood of drug use. 11. Research focus and public education on effective rehabilitation strategies. 12. Require sports clubs to promote responsible alcohol consumption.Source

Should there be term limits set for members of Congress? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government pass laws which protect whistleblowers? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes "Yesterday's successful vote by the European Parliament on legislation drafted by a Green MEP, which will ensure far greater data protection and privacy for European citizens, was a landmark in our struggle to keep the internet free from excessive state or corporate control, and that protection simply would not have happened without Snowden's revelations. The scale of the spying which Snowden revealed has been a wake-up call to people all over the world, and I would have thought Phil Prendergast would have wanted to afford him the maximum protection possible. "If elected to the European Parliament, I will do my upmost to protect and encourage whistleblowers to come forward with this type of information. We are a better society because of people like Edward Snowden. Given Labour's recent silence over the attacks on Garda Maurice McCabe, I suppose it's probably not surprising that both Phil Prendergast and Emer Costello showed no desire to protect whistleblowers. Labour clearly see no point in supporting these vital champions of a free and transparent society."Source

Should elected Members of Parliament in Northern Ireland be able to sit and participate in the Dáil? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should it be illegal to burn our national flag? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the free tuition fees scheme be available to foreign students? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the Irish language remain a compulsory subject on the national curriculum? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes, but we need to revise and reform how it is taught in schools. The Green Party calls for a comprehensive review of the teaching and learning of Irish at primary and post-primary level, both in the Republic and in Northern...Source

Should the UK abolish university tuition fees? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should girls be allowed to wear the niqab or burka in Catholic Schools? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the Seanad be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should corporations, unions, and non-profit organizations be allowed to donate to political parties? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: No The leader of the Green Party in Northern Ireland has called for greater transparency when it comes to political donations. Steven Agnew said all parties should make donations public. The MLA for North Down told the BBC: "One person with independent wealth could fund a political party and we would not know it. No-one out there can say it is not happening, because donations are not being made public." Mr Agnew said his party did not take corporate donations and publishes all donations over £500.Source

Should a politician, who has been formerly convicted of a crime, be allowed to run for office? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the minimum voting age be lowered? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes The Green Party today called for cross-party support for a Seanad bill legislating for votes for 16 year olds at local and European elections, to be introduced today by Senators Fintan Warfield and Lynne Ruane. Speaking today, Senator Grace O’Sullivan called on Fine Gael and Fianna Fáil not to delay the bill, but to let it through to Committee Stage: “The Green Party are strong supporters of votes for 16 year olds. Research has shown that people who vote once, are much more likely to vote again after that. This bill will allow a chance for young people to develop good habits early."Source

Should political candidates be required to release their recent tax returns to the public? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should foreigners, currently residing in the United States, have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes The Green Party have already announced that it intends to propose extending Dáil voting rights to recent emigrants and EU citizens permanently resident here. The Seanad Reform Bill 2016, co-sponsored by Green Senator, Grace O'Sullivan, also proposes to extend voting rights in Seanad elections to all citizens worldwide. Mr Moran said: “I hope this will herald the start of a new phase voter rights reform. In January, we engaged in a consultation with emigrant groups and the public on extending Dáil voting rights to recent emigrants. It's time too to allow EU citizens permanently resident here have the right to vote in Dáil election.”Source

Should Irish citizens, living abroad and in Northern Ireland, have the right to vote in presidential elections? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes The Green Party today welcomed the Taoiseach's announcement that the Government will propose a referendum to extend the right to vote in Presidential elections to citizens worldwide. Speaking this evening, the Green Party spokesperson for political reform and the party's representative in Cork North Central, Oliver Moran, said: “This is good news. It underlines the importance we attach to our diaspora and citizens in Northern Ireland. It places the President as the first among equals in the entire Irish nation, no matter where we live. “Of the nine Presidents of Ireland, two, Éamon de Valera and Erskine Childers, were born outside of Ireland, de Valera to emigrant parents. And Mary McAleese was born and raised in Northern Ireland. We are a global nation, our Presidents have reflected that. It's right that that globalism be recognised fully in our President.”Source

Do you support the practice of hunting foxes with dogs? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government increase environmental regulations on businesses to reduce carbon emissions? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: Yes, and provide more incentives for alternative energy production The need to address long-term problems, such as climate change, is an overarching value of the Green Party. We support the enactment of national legislation to respond to climate change and transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient economy. This will reduce our over-dependence on imported sources of fossil fuel energy. Global events related to extreme weather, such as storms and droughts, could compromise our food security and lead to increased immigration into Ireland by ‘climate refugees’. By 2050, Ireland’s power, heat and transport systems should no longer rely on fossil fuels and our agricultural system should achieve carbon neutrality. This is technologically possible, and would result in greater employment, energy efficiency, security, an improved economy, and improved public health, in addition to contributing to a healthier climate We need to establish ambitious but realistic binding national greenhouse gas emission reduction targets for 2030 and aim for 100% decarbonisation of the power system and an 80% overall reduction in national emissions by 2050 The development of a new national planning process encompassing both climate mitigation and adaptation is essential There should be a requirement for annual reporting on national climate action plans to the Oireachtas We support the development of local food production systems to decrease reliance on food imports There should be greater consideration on the asylum status of refugees fleeing environmental disasters in addition to armed conflict A massive increase in afforestation consisting of native and continuous cover woodlands to help offset our carbon emissions. Only 10% of land in Ireland is under forestry which represents the second lowest proportional percentage of any country in Europe The systems for the protection of our environment need to be strengthened. We would: Ensure greater coordination between, environmental regulation and planning control. Establish a National Environmental Action Plan Develop an all-island structure for environmental protection and enforcement Review the levels of fines and range of sanctions available to courts Allocate additional resources to the EPA, with a particular emphasis on investment in monitoring and enforcement activities Properly resource the enforcement division of the EPA so that it is able to prosecute serious offences on indictment rather than summarily. Provide in licensing conditions for the problems created by companies going insolvent Strengthen the role and membership of the EPA’s Advisory Board to have more expertise and greater input into the agency’s strategy Establish a forum of appeal for the Integration Pollution Prevention and Control license system Introduce annual audits of local authority environmental performance and invest in local government environmental enforcement capacity e.g. training, consistent approach to enforcement, minimum inspection criteria and best practice The Irish Constitution should be amended to recognise the intrinsic worth of the environment, such as the provision in the Ecuadorian Constitution acknowledging that Nature has the right to exist, persist, maintain and regenerate its vital cycles The Green Party supports the proposition that a crime of ecocide be created in international law, as a crime against nature, humanity and future generations, to be defined as ‘the extensive damage to, destruction of or loss of ecosystem(s) of a given territory, whether by human agency or other causes, to such an extent that peaceful enjoyment by the inhabitants (human and non-human) of that territory has been or will be severely diminished’; and that the proposed crime of ecocide be formally recognised as a Crime against Peace subject to the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.’Source

Do you support the use of hydraulic fracking to extract oil and natural gas resources? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: No, we should pursue more sustainable energy resources instead We know that four fifths of known fossil fuels will have to remain underground if we are to have a chance of avoiding dangerous levels of global warming. Ireland should show a lead by committing to a ban on hydraulic fracking for oil or gas and by ending the programme for licensing for oil and gas exploration in Irish territorial waters.Source

Should disposable products (such as plastic cups, plates, and cutlery) that contain less than 50% of biodegradable material be banned? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the use of genetically engineered crops and foods? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party’s answer: No Keep Ireland GMO free. The consequences of these technologies are not fully understood, they promote monoculture and the patenting of seeds threatens public access to safe and nutritious...Source

Should convicted criminals have the right to vote? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should non-violent prisoners be released from jail in order to reduce overcrowding? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should France continue to assassinate suspected terrorists in foreign countries? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should laptops be banned on all direct flights departing from the Middle East? ^{stats discuss}

Green Party have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the military allow women to serve in combat roles? ^{stats discuss}

Workers and Unemployed Action have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

What is your stance on abortion? ^{stats discuss}

Workers and Unemployed Action have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should the government ban contraception? ^{stats discuss}

Workers and Unemployed Action have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

Workers and Unemployed Action have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Do you support the legalisation of same sex marriage? ^{stats discuss}

Workers and Unemployed Action have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should gay couples have the same adoption rights as straight couples? ^{stats discuss}

Workers and Unemployed Action have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should terminally ill patients be allowed to end their lives via assisted suicide? ^{stats discuss}

Workers and Unemployed Action have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should women be allowed to wear a Niqāb, or face veil, to civic ceremonies? ^{stats discuss}

Workers and Unemployed Action have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

Should businesses be required to have women on their board of directors? ^{stats discuss}

Workers and Unemployed Action have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?