People Before Profit (PBP) is a political party in Ireland that emphasizes social justice, equality, and the redistribution of wealth and power. Unlike larger parties that receive significant donations from businesses and wealthy interests, PBP relies on small donations from members and supporters.
This grassroots approach is central to their political ideology and campaign strategies.
PBP stands firmly against the traditional right-wing parties in Ireland, particularly Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael. The party criticizes these parties for their failure to provide adequate public services and for fostering social and economic inequality.
PBP's slogan, "Evict Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael," encapsulates their commitment to political change and their rejection of the status quo.
PBP advocates for the establishment of a left-wing government in Ireland, aiming to replace the current political establishment with policies that prioritize the needs of working-class people. They accuse right-wing parties of using divisive tactics, such as scapegoating migrants and other vulnerable groups, to distract from their governance failures.
Introduce higher income tax rates for those earning over €100,000. This includes a progressive tax structure aimed at reducing income inequality and funding public services.
Close corporate tax loopholes that allow multinational corporations to avoid paying their fair share. Ensure that companies like Apple pay back taxes owed to Ireland.
Implement a Robin Hood tax on financial transactions to curb speculative trading and generate additional revenue for social programs.
Establish state-owned banks and construction companies to ensure affordable housing and infrastructure development.
Nationalize natural resources and invest in renewable energy projects to reduce dependency on fossil fuels and create green jobs.
Invest in state-led pharmaceutical research and development, and promote sustainable agricultural practices through state support and regulation.
Expand public services to ensure they are accessible to all citizens. This includes free public transport to reduce car dependency and improve environmental sustainability.
Increase funding for healthcare and education to improve service quality and accessibility. This includes building new hospitals, schools, and other essential infrastructure.
Establish a network of community primary care centers offering free GP services to all citizens. These centers will also provide basic diagnostics and preventive care.
Increase the number of public hospital beds to 21,000 nationally. Reopen hospitals and emergency departments closed during the recession to reduce waiting times and improve patient care.
Expand ambulance and air ambulance services to meet response time targets. Introduce a Paramedic Transport Service to improve emergency medical care.
Implement a human rights-based approach to mental health care, ensuring personal autonomy and informed consent in treatment. Prohibit involuntary treatments and restraints without rigorous oversight.
Develop a network of community mental health centers offering integrated services, including counseling, psychotherapy, and social support. Ensure services are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
Focus on prevention and early intervention to reduce the incidence of mental health issues. This includes addressing social determinants of health and providing comprehensive support in community settings.
Revitalize public home building on public land and keep existing public land in public ownership. Aim to build thousands of new public housing units to meet demand.
Abolish income thresholds for public housing eligibility, making it available to a broader range of incomes. Rents will be set at a percentage of tenants' take-home pay.
Establish a scheme that allows public housing tenants to move within and between developments based on their changing accommodation needs throughout life stages.
Create schemes within the public housing system where units can be bought at affordable prices and only sold back to local authorities or public housing bodies.
Strengthen tenant rights by extending security of tenure, maintenance standards, and rent controls. Encourage tenant unionization and representation.
Close all coal and peat-fired power stations immediately. Provide full pay retraining for affected workers to transition them to new jobs in the green economy.
Create a state-owned renewable energy company to generate 90% of Irish electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Engage local communities in planning and development of renewable energy projects.
Launch a major retrofitting program for housing, with up-front state grants averaging €30,000 to cover costs. Focus on homes with poor BER ratings, those in fuel poverty, and local authority housing.
Take major agri-corporations into public ownership to finance a Just Transition for farmers and rural communities. Promote sustainable farming practices and organic agriculture.
Implement a major afforestation and rewilding program. Offer farmers €3,000 per hectare annually for land used for carbon sequestration.
Reduce the dairy herd by 50% with compensation for farmers through a New Green Payment. Encourage diversification into more sustainable agricultural practices.
Make racism a hate crime with strict penalties. Implement comprehensive anti-racism education and training programs.
End the Direct Provision System and ensure dignified, humane treatment for refugees and asylum seekers. Oppose all deportations and support the integration of migrants into society with full voting rights.
Oppose state racism against Travellers and ensure safe, culturally appropriate accommodation through an Independent National Housing Agency.
Ensure full equality for LGBTQ individuals, including the right for gay and bisexual men to donate blood without restrictive celibacy rules. Extend gender recognition rights to 16-18-year-olds and provide access to gender-neutral facilities.
Offer free gender care through the national health service, including services such as hormone therapy, surgery, and counseling. Improve funding for LGBTQ organizations and resource centers.
Implement compulsory, age-appropriate sex education in schools that addresses issues of gender, sexuality, consent, and safe sex. Support anti-bullying initiatives across educational and social settings.
Provide free, safe, and legal abortion services across Ireland. Ensure free access to contraception and comprehensive counseling on reproductive options.
Mandate age-appropriate, comprehensive sex education in all schools, regardless of their ethos. Ensure education is evidence-based and not influenced by religious doctrines.
Close the gender pay gap and restore social welfare payments to pre-austerity levels. Provide adequate support for lone parents, people with disabilities, and families with special needs children.
People Before Profit's detailed policies aim to transform Irish society by addressing economic inequality, improving public services, protecting the environment, and ensuring social justice for all. Their commitment to grassroots funding and direct action highlights their dedication to creating a fairer and more equitable Ireland.