The Fianna Fáil parliamentary party are to hold a two-day meeting at the Horse and Jockey Hotel beginning today. Budget priorities and policy issues will be considered in advance of the Dáil returning next week. The Tánaiste Micheál Martin and Minister for Finance Michael McGrath are expected to set out the party’s priorities and take feedback from Oireachtas members. The party is making a reduction in the Universal Social Charge(USC) a key demand. USC was introduced in December 2010 due to the financial crash and applies to all earnings for those receiving a gross income of over €13,000.
Education, transport and climate as well as preparation for the Local and European Elections next May will be considered while Housing is on the agenda for tomorrow morning’s session. The event is due to end at lunch time tomorrow. The IFA have indicated that they will stage a protest at the venue today in response to the EU Commission decision to reduce Ireland’s nitrates derogation due to a failure to improve the quality of water in Irish rivers, lakes and estuaries. Tipperary Fianna Fáil TD Jackie Cahill currently chairs the Oireachtas Agriculture Committee.
