Big plans: E-scooter laws to teen sheds and hemp growing – 15 things you may have missed in deal
THE programme for government has massive ambitions, from cutting carbon emissions to rebooting the economy after the coronavirus crisis.
But here are 15 things in the plans you may have missed:
1. Carbon footprint labels: Ways to better inform consumers about the carbon footprint of products, like labelling, will be considered.
Is it likely? 5/10: A nice idea but the retail lobby is likely to resist measures that could hamper sales of goods.
2. Tax on vaping: A tax regime to discourage people ‘vaping’, or using e-cigarettes.
Is it likely? 8/10: Despite huge industry pushback, successive governments have been strongly anti-smoking. A coalition led by Micheál Martin, who pioneered the smoking ban, is likely to make a quick push on this.
3. A drinking fountain network: There are proposals to develop a network of drinking fountains to reduce plastic bottle waste.
Is it likely? 2/10: Zero chance in the short-term due to the pandemic. People are likely to be more wary about amenities like drinking fountains in future too.
4. Teen sheds: A commitment to establish ‘Teen Sheds’, similar to Men’s Sheds – projects where men gather to share skills and make friends.
Is it likely? 6/10: Men’s Sheds have been successful and promote wellbeing. It could work for teens but detail on the level of funding is needed.
5. Regulating e-scooters: E-scooters are in a legal limbo despite being mechanically propelled vehicles popular among commuters. There are plans to resolve this.
Is it likely? 9/10: This is an easy one – work was started by the last Government and Fianna Fáil has previously proposed legislation.
6. Hemp growing: The parties commit to “fully explore” the potential of fibre crops like hemp and if there is a viable market.
Is it likely? 6/10: There are around nine farmers growing hemp, a strain of cannabis plant, and the practice is strictly regulated. Expanding it seems a good idea when farmers need to diversify.
7. Reduced speed limits: The parties plan to review and reduce speed limits “where appropriate” both for road
Micheál Martin is likely to make a quick pushon a tax on vaping
safety and to help cut carbon emissions.
Is it likely? 7/10: It’s always hard to argue with a safety initiative and it has the added bonus of being green. Expect 80kmh limits on boreens to go but more Garda resources will be needed for enforcement.
8. Scrapping the BAI: The Broadcasting Authority of
Ireland is to be replaced with a new Media and Online Safety Commission, when a new law is enacted.
Is it likely? 8/10: A powerful regulator that can force internet companies to take down harmful content has cross-party support.
9. Cut school book costs for parents: It’s proposed to put an emphasis on the rental and re-use of school books and to discourage workbooks.
Is it likely? 4/10: Parents would support any initiative to reduce costs. But cutting back on workbooks has been mooted for years and hasn’t happened yet.
10. Linking the Wild Atlantic Way to the Giants Causeway:
The popular tourist trail in the west would be linked to the Causeway Coastal Route in Northern Ireland in consultation with the Executive there.
Is it likely? 5/10: Sinn Féin has previously proposed extending the Wild Atlantic Way into the North.
It could be a sensitive one for unionists but perhaps it’s a runner if handled carefully. 11. Look into faster rail links: There are plans for an economic evaluation of higher-speed rail links between cities.
Is it likely? 9/10: For the economic report happening but 1/10 for high-speed trains arriving any time soon given the massive costs.
12. Relief for badgers: The vaccination scheme for bovine TB in badgers is to be extended and culling is to end as soon as possible.
Is it likely? 6/10: Farmers will be all for efforts to reduce bovine TB, but badgers don’t vote so it depends on the strength of the animal rights lobby in government.
13. Nightlife: There are a range of proposals to enhance night-time culture, noting the impact of social distancing. Modernising licensing laws and staggering trading hours are on the table.
Is it likely? 8/10: This will be crucial to restarting a sector battered by the Covid-19 crisis and popular among voters keen to go out again.
14. Crackdown on
influencers: A more active enforcement role for the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission to ensure social media influencers disclose links to brands and know the consequences of not complying.
Is it likely? 7/10: It makes sense for consumers, but there may be a backlash from influencers about overly burdensome regulations.
15. Chicken pox vaccine: An examination of the inclusion of the chicken pox vaccine in the children’s immunisation schedule.
Is it likely? 6/10: The importance of vaccines has been underlined by the Covid crisis. However, the chicken pox vaccine is not currently recommended for those who have weak immune systems and this may curtail plans.
Badgers don’t vote so it depends on the animal rights lobby