The quick guide to Ireland’s political parties

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

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes 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?

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

Fine Gael’s answer: Increase Source

Should the government increase spending on public transportation? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

Fine Gael voters: More 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 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 bankers’ bonuses be capped at 100% of their pay? ^{stats discuss}

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

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 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 the government make cuts to public spending in order to reduce the national debt? ^{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

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

Fine Gael voters: No 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 add or increase tariffs on products imported into 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 provide tax incentives to private companies to keep jobs within the country? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael voters: Yes 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 citizens be allowed to save or invest their money in offshore bank accounts? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael 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}

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

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

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes, for most but not all drugs 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 it be illegal to burn our national flag? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes 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 there be term limits set for members of Congress? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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 government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes 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 voters: Less Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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 cities open drug “safe havens” where people who are addicted to illegal drugs can use them under the supervision of medical professionals? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes 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

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

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes 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}

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

Fine Gael’s answer: Yes Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Increase Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes Source

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

Fine Gael voters: Yes 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 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 girls be allowed to wear the niqab or burka in Catholic Schools? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael’s answer: No Source

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

Fine Gael’s answer: No 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 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 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

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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 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 drug traffickers receive the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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 voters: No Source

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

Fine Gael voters: No Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No 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 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?

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes Source

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 government increase spending on public transportation? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes Source

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 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 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 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 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 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

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

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes 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

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No 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 add or increase tariffs on products imported into the country? ^{stats discuss}

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

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

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No 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

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 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

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes Source

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

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No Source

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil 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}

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

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

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

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes 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 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 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 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 government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

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

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes 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

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes Source

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 cities open drug “safe havens” where people who are addicted to illegal drugs can use them under the supervision of medical professionals? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes Source

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

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes 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

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

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No 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 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 Muslim immigrants be banned from entering the country until the government improves its ability to screen out potential terrorists? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes 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 voters: Yes Source

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

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Increase Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes 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 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 girls be allowed to wear the niqab or burka in Catholic Schools? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil’s answer: Yes Source

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

Fianna Fáil’s answer: No 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 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 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

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No 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 drug traffickers receive the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

Fianna Fáil voters: No Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: No Source

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 voters: No Source

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

Fianna Fáil voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: No Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes The North must continue to have access to the single market which allows for the free movement of our people, goods, services and capital on a north/south basis and between the other member states of the EU enabling us to benefit from the biggest trading bloc in the world.Source

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

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}

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Increase Sinn Féin supports the Millennium Development Goal target of government expenditure on Overseas Development Aid (ODA) reaching 0.7% of Gross National Product by 2015. In 2008, Ireland contributed €921 million to ODA or almost 0.6% of GNP. This year that total is down to just over €600 million or around 0.5% of GNP so the overall ODA budget has now been reduced by €315 million or by one third since 2008. The Government needs to outline its plan for getting Ireland’s commitment to the 0.7% target back on track.Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Do not increase military spending-aim to overtime reduce it Source

Should the government increase spending on public transportation? ^{stats discuss}

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Fewer, and ensure benefits go to those that need it most At all times Sinn Féin was absolutely clear, privately and publicly, that the agreement was to provide full protection for current and future claimants of benefits under the control of the Executive. These documents illustrate that this is the...Source

Should water charges be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Sinn Féin has committed to abolish domestic water charges in Government, and we would not pursue arrears for these same...Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Sinn Fein will introduce a third rate of tax on income above €100,000 and a wealth tax if voted into Government. Speaking at the Sinn Fein Ard Fheis in Derry, the party’s finance spokesman Pearse Doherty said the party will target high earners to replace revenue lost from scrapping water charges and property tax.Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Increase for large multinational corporations but lower for small businesses 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

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes, but in the form of increased spending on infrastructure Our significant investment in infrastructure and public services, such as in housing, health and education, will deliver 250,000 jobs over the next five...Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: No Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Help Source

Should the government add or increase tariffs on products imported into the country? ^{stats discuss}

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}

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: No Sinn Féin has made it clear it will not support the inclusion of the Investor State Dispute Settlement mechanism (ISDS) in TTIP, with the French, German and British governments also echoing this...Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Decrease, but only on food and medicine The 9% VAT rate for food and tourism services has been a success with an increase of approximately 9,000 jobs in the sector. This has obviously had a knock on effect for other businesses and local economies. It is important that this success is allowed to continue and grow as the state continues on the path to economic recovery.Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school? ^{stats discuss}

Sinn Féin 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}

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Sinn Féin met with the Minister for Justice Frances Fitzgerald yesterday regarding the terms of reference and suggested a number of amendments to the Terms that were aimed at making the Tribunal as open, accountable, and comprehensive as...Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: No Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Towards a United Ireland – Gerry Adams (party...Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Sinn Féin would . . . Introduce immediate speaking and consultative rights for Northern MPs and Assembly members in the Dáil and...Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

Should the government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Sinn Féin is committed to the realisation of a world-class system of universal health care, accessed on the basis of need, free at the point of delivery, and funded by progressive taxation for the Irish state. We believe there is no greater good worth striving for.Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Less, and there should be no privatization of the healthcare industry 'Sinn Féin is committed to the realisation of a world-class system of universal health...Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes, but only for medical use Sinn Féin Spokesperson on Justice and Drugs Jonathan O'Brien TD has tonight outlined the party's support for passage of the Cannabis for Medicinal Use Regulation Bill 2016 to Committee Stage, where it will table appropriate amendments. The Cork North Central TD strongly emphasised that the issues addressed by the Bill where matters of health and that he welcomed the Bill as "important initiative in the development of healthcare in Ireland."Source

Should cities open drug “safe havens” where people who are addicted to illegal drugs can use them under the supervision of medical professionals? ^{stats discuss}

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}

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: No Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: No Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Sinn Féin Louth TD Gerry Adams has expressed his “serious concern at the failure of the Department of Health to make adequate provision for a supply of the BCG vaccine which provides effective protection against tuberculosis...Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: No Sinn Féin spokesperson on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Michael Colreavy TD, has said that nuclear power should not be developed in Ireland. Speaking following the publication of the government Green Paper on Energy Policy in Ireland, Deputy Colreavy said: “Sinn Féin, at our most recent Ard Fheis, reiterated our opposition on nuclear energy. Nuclear energy, which has been a controversial source of energy production throughout the world, should not be developed in Ireland.Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No 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}

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Increase Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Sinn Féin's position is quite clearly that access to higher education must be based on the ability to learn and not on the ability to pay. Sinn Féin was opposed to the introduction of tuition fees and remains opposed to any notion of increasing tuition fees.Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Sinn Fein supports . . . Maintaining the status of Irish as a compulsory subject in examinations such as the Junior Cert and Leaving...Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: No Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Senator Fintan Warfield will use Sinn Féin Private Members' Time on Wednesday 29th March, to bring forward legislation that will allow the voting age in Local Government and European Parliament elections to be reduced to sixteen years of...Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Upon leaving prison Kelly became actively involved in politics. Kelly and fellow Sinn Féin member Martin McGuinness both engaged in protracted secret negotiations with representatives of the British Government from 1990 until...Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

Should the Seanad be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Sinn Féin TD Pearse Doherty has today launched his party's campaign for the abolition of the Seanad. Speaking at the launch in Dublin this morning Deputy Doherty said fairness, democracy and equality of citizenship demand that the current Seanad be abolished. He said; "The cronyism and the elitism that are synonymous with the Seanad has fostered the type of politics that has brought this state to its knees. In the last two-and-a-half years, the Seanad has supported the government on every single occasion, including the introduction of the property tax, cuts to disability payments and the promissory note deal which is costing the tax payer €30 billion. The Seanad has promoted political cronies and allies rather than ideas or visions. And Fianna Fáil, who now seek to preserve the Seanad, is the party which has done the most to reinforce the perception of the Seanad as a hot house of cronyism."Source

Should drug traffickers receive the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

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}

Sinn Féin voters: Yes Source

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

Sinn Féin’s answer: Yes Responding to news reports this morning of overcrowding at the Dóchas women’s centre in Mountjoy Prison, Sinn Féin Justice Spokesperson, Pádraig Mac Lochlainn has said that the serious issues raised would be addressed if the Oireachtas Justice Committee's report and recommendations on penal reform were implemented by the Government. Speaking today Deputy Mac Lochlainn said; “Sinn Féin has long called for the use of alternatives to custodial sentences such as fines and community service for low level, non-violent crimes. The Oireachtas Justice Committee report on penal reform recommends this approach also as one of their five key recommendations. “If this report was implemented in full I am sure this would solve the problem of overcrowding reported this morning and would go a long way to solving the problem of overcrowding in our men’s prisons also. “I call on the Justice Minister Alan Shatter to ensure that this report is implemented as soon as possible.”Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Sinn Féin voters: No Source

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

Labour Party’s answer: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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?

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party’s answer: Decrease Source

Should the government increase spending on public transportation? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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 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 water charges be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party voters: No 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 bankers’ bonuses be capped at 100% of their pay? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

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

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 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 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 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

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party’s answer: Help Source

Should the government add or increase tariffs on products imported into 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 provide tax incentives to private companies to keep jobs within the country? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party voters: Yes 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 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

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: Decrease Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school? ^{stats discuss}

Labour 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}

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

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

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

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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 government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes 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

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 voters: Yes Source

Should cities open drug “safe havens” where people who are addicted to illegal drugs can use them under the supervision of medical professionals? ^{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

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

Labour Party voters: 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

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

Labour Party’s answer: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes 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}

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: Increase Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes 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 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 girls be allowed to wear the niqab or burka in Catholic Schools? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party’s answer: Yes Source

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

Labour Party’s answer: Yes 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 the minimum voting age be lowered? ^{stats discuss}

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: 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 drug traffickers receive the death penalty? ^{stats discuss}

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

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: Yes Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Labour Party voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Increase Source

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

Social Democrats 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}

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Decrease Source

Should the government increase spending on public transportation? ^{stats discuss}

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: More Source

Should water charges be abolished? ^{stats discuss}

Social Democrats’ answer: Yes Here’s what the Social Democrats are proposing: Water charges should be abolished, as should the conservation grant; The meter rollout should be stopped; A full and open financial review of Irish Water should be conducted to identify what cost savings can be achieved each year and how they can be reinvested in the water system; Irish Water should be abolished and reconstituted as a public body, rather than as a commercial semi-state, to ensure it can never be privatised; Public ownership should be protected via a referendum to change the Constitution.Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Raise Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats’ answer: No The Social Democrats will not increase the minimum wage but want employers to move voluntarily to a living wage, according to joint party leader Stephen Donnelly. He repeated the party’s view that “we’re not ruling anyone in or out” as a potential coalition partner, but accused the Government of “rank hypocrisy” when it came to indigenous small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Help Source

Should the government add or increase tariffs on products imported into the country? ^{stats discuss}

Social Democrats have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats’ answer: No TTIP presents very serious concerns for the Social Democrats. While we support the removal of unnecessary barriers to trade where they bring benefits of sustainable economic growth and job creation, we do not consider consumer protections and product standards as barriers to be removed. We recognise the threat the regulatory coordination principles contained in the draft agreement make for very hard won standards and citizen protections in how products are manufactured and sold. We do not support the dilution or watering down of consumer protections under any circumstances. Furthermore, the proposed Investor-State Resolution mechanism appears to give undue influence and power to large corporations in determining public policy. The Social Democrats strongly believe that these provisions, as proposed, represent a threat to the proper democratic functioning of national parliaments and the right of governments to determine policy in the interests of the people alone. We also consider the secrecy of the process to be fundamentally undemocratic. We would therefore not support TTIP.Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Decrease Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

Should teachers be allowed to carry guns at school? ^{stats discuss}

Social Democrats 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}

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

Should the government ban gambling? ^{stats discuss}

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats’ answer: Yes The aim of the Social Democrats is to build an Irish National Health Service – a publicly funded health service that would be accessible to all, improve health outcomes and reduce the cost to deliver high quality healthcare. Over the next decade, we would propose to: Phase 1: Re-orientate the health service by switching activity and care away from acute hospitals and into the community; Phase 2: Provide universal access to primary and community healthcare services; Phase 3: End the current two-tier hospital service by raising the standard of our public hospital service in terms of access and qualitySource

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

Social Democrats voters: Less Source

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

Social Democrats’ answer: Yes "We fully support the Sláintecare plan for radical reform of our health system so that it is a proper public service where people are treated on the basis of their medical needs – not on their ability to pay. In our Alternative Budget 2018 we committed to funding phase one of the roll out of Sláintecare."Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

Should cities open drug “safe havens” where people who are addicted to illegal drugs can use them under the supervision of medical professionals? ^{stats discuss}

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: No 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}

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Increase Source

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

Social Democrats voters: Yes Source

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

Social Democrats have not answered this question yet. Would you like to suggest their answer?

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