The general election is now underway, and voters will get to decide who forms the next Government on polling day, Friday 26^th February. 

Where do the parties stand on the issues that matter to IMPACT members?

What are their policies on taxation, spending, pay restoration, special education, job creation, decent work and the Living Wage, housing, water and sanitation services, health, privatisation, childhood care and education?

IMPACT put a series of questions (below) about these issues to all of the political groups running for election. Find out how they responded HERE.

Policy questions - IMPACT general election guide

1. What is your party’s views on the balance between tax deductions and public expenditure adjustments over the next five years?
2. Will your party honour the terms of the Lansdowne Road Agreement, including the partial restoration of public sector pay, no compulsory redundancies and the improved protections on outsourcing?
3. Do you support pay restoration for staff working in the community and voluntary sector? How does your party propose to achieve this?
4. What measures will your party take to improve access to services for children with special education needs?
5. What measures will your party take to continue job creation and reduce unemployment? What are your party’s policies in relation to labour activation schemes such as JobBridge, Gateway and Community Employment?
6. What are your party’s policies in relation to ensuring decent work and terms of employment? Do you support the introduction of a Living Wage?
7. What are your party’s policies regarding housing, homelessness and rent certainty?
8. What measures does your party propose are necessary to ensure that Irish water and sanitation services are retained in public ownership?
9. What will your party do to establish an efficient single-tiered health system, which is free at the point of access?
10. What are your party’s policies in relation to the retention or disposal of state assets and the privatisation of public services?
11. What are your party’s policies in relation to improving the availability of services and working conditions in early childhood care and education services?

See the parties answers HERE.