1. INTRODUCTION: VISION AND MISSION

DirectDemocracyS (DDS) is a global political organization founded on the fundamental principles of direct democracy, shared leadership, and collective, non-transferable ownership. DDS is not a traditional political party. It is a completely new system for organizing and exercising power — one in which every official member is an equal partner, a co-owner, and an equal voice.

In this document, DDS presents a detailed, realistic and feasible program for Ireland — a country suffering from an outdated system that benefits the minority, and where citizens are demanding real change. This program addresses all aspects of public life: politics, economics, finance, social affairs, housing, health, education, environment, law and order, and much more.

1.1 Why does Ireland need change?

Official figures paint a picture of Ireland as one of the wealthiest countries in Europe — a GDP per capita of over €100,000, high employment levels, and a strong international reputation. But beneath these figures, there is a whole other truth:

• Europe's worst housing crisis — people being thrown out of their homes, thousands homeless
• A health system collapsing — long waiting lists, hospitals in terrible pressure, doctors leaving abroad
• Huge inequalities between the wealthy minority and the majority of the population
• A government bound by corporate interests and the 'revolving door' between politicians and businesses
• Insufficient infrastructure — public transport, broadband, energy infrastructure
• An environmental crisis with little real action
• An education system based on an old dialect that serves the labor market, not human development

2. CRITICAL ANALYSIS: THE CURRENT SITUATION

2.1 The Political System — Institutional Failure

The Irish political system is based on two main parties — Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael — which have been at the forefront, at different times, for almost a century. These two parties have consistently pursued similar policies, regardless of which is in power. As a result:

• Citizens cannot achieve real change by voting — the result is almost always the same
• The system is designed to preserve itself rather than serve the public.
• The parties are funded by big capitalists and special interest groups.
• The 'revolving door' is in full swing — politicians entering companies they used to regulate
• Citizens are excluded from true decision-making — voting every 5 years is not participation

2.2 The Housing Crisis — A National Emergency

The housing crisis is the most pressing problem in Ireland right now. House prices are so high that an entire generation of young people cannot afford to buy a house. The situation of the homeless is even worse. Some people are spending €2,500+ per month on small apartments in Dublin:

2.3 The Health System — HSE: A Systemic Failure

The Health Service Executive (HSE) is one of the most expensive health systems in Europe, and Ireland’s health outcomes are far worse than other countries at the same level of spending. Ireland spends around 7.5% of its GDP on health but people are left waiting in hospital for years:

• Hospital waiting list: 800,000+ people (as of 2024)
• Average wait time for specialty services: 18-24 months
• 'Trolley crisis': people on trolleys in emergencies regularly
• Lack of family doctors: 500,000+ people without a registered family doctor
• Doctors' flight: around 700 doctors leaving Ireland each year
• Private health costs: €3,000-€5,000 per year for a family

2.4 Economic Inequalities

While Ireland's GDP is one of the highest in the EU, much of that wealth is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals and corporations. GDP* (adjusted) is a more representative indicator that is almost 40% lower than official GDP, exposing the statistical lie:

• The richest 1% of the population owns 27% of Ireland's total wealth.
• Poverty rate is 12.1% (2023) — about 600,000 people
• Real wages have been falling against the cost of living for 10 years
• 25% of employees are working in part-time jobs that are not necessary, not by choice
• Multinational corporations are using Ireland as a letter office to avoid tax

2.5 The Environment — A Commitment Without Action

Ireland has agreed to ambitious climate targets but progress is lagging far behind those targets. In 2023, Ireland missed its emissions targets for the third year in a row. The agricultural sector — particularly livestock farming — accounts for over 35% of Ireland’s total emissions, but farmers are under immense pressure without adequate support:

• Agricultural emissions: 35% of total, but not decreasing in 10 years
• Renewable energy: 42% of electricity (2024), target of 80% by 2030 — challenging
• Biodiversity loss: only 2% of natural grassland remains in Ireland
• Water: 40% of pressurized waterways polluted
• Waste: 63% of waste still being sent to landfill

3. POLITICAL PROGRAM: SYSTEM REFORM

3.1 Democratic Reform — Power to the People

DDS presents a new political system that gives true power to citizens. It is not a one-time vote every 5 years, but ongoing, transparent, and accountable participation.

3.1.1 The Initial Referendum

A referendum will be held to fundamentally change the political system. A political party cannot change the system alone — the public must approve it.

1. Referendum on a new electoral system — Implementing a full Single Transferable Vote at all levels
2. Referendum on term limits for public officials — maximum 2 terms at any level
3. Referendum on the right of expulsion — citizens can vote to remove an elected representative from office
4. Referendum on automatic voter registration — all citizens automatically registered at 18

3.1.2 Participatory Democracy at Local Level

'Citizens' Councils' will be created in each county — random groups of citizens who will participate in local decision-making for a period of 12 months. Here is the DDS-Ireland model:

3.1.3 The DDS Three-Code System

Every member of a DDS organization in Ireland will be subject to a three-code authentication system: an identity code, a member code, and an integrity code. This ensures that no one person, group, or alliance can improperly seize power. All important decisions are made by secret, transparent, and verifiable vote.

3.2 Electoral Reform

• Election spending limit: maximum €50,000 for each candidate
• Prohibition of corporate funding for political parties — state funding only
• Automatic voter registration at age 18
• Online voting for people with mobility difficulties
• Required rotation: no one can serve more than 2 terms in any elected role
• Gender representation: legal requirement that 50% of all lists be women

4. ECONOMIC PROGRAM: A FAIR AND SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

4.1 DDS Economic Vision

DDS does not believe in big corporate capitalism or centralized socialism. We believe in a mixed economy with: free but regulated markets; common ownership of essential services; and fair wages for all workers. The goal is to ensure sustainable development — that the country's economy serves the people, not the people for the economy.

4.1.1 Tax Reform

Ireland's tax system is designed in part to attract multinational corporations. It has a corporate tax rate of 12.5% — but evidence suggests that many corporations pay much less. DDS recommends these changes:

4.1.2 Cooperative Economics

DDS will encourage cooperatives and employee-owned businesses in Ireland. There are successful examples around the world — from Mondragon in Spain to the cooperatives in the Emilia-Romagna Region of Italy — that show that employee-owned businesses can be more productive and sustainable than traditional businesses:

• A national fund of €500 million to finance new cooperatives and business conversions
• Tax reduction of 5 percentage points for employee-owned businesses
• National training programme in cooperative management courses
• Statutory requirement: in any company with 500+ employees, employees have the right to purchase up to 40% of shares

4.1.3 Strategic Public Funding

A state-owned 'National Irish Investment Bank' (NIIB) will be created to provide financing for strategic investment not addressed by the private market:

5. Infrastructure investment: public transport, broadband, energy
6. SME financing: loans at preferential rates for small and medium-sized businesses
7. Climate Fund: financing for a green transition in the economy
8. Housing: direct funding for the construction of social housing
9. Science and Innovation: research funding in strategic areas

4.2 Entrepreneurship and Employment

Ireland relies heavily on SMEs to create employment. SMEs create 70% of private sector jobs. DDS recommends a comprehensive support programme:

• €2 billion SME Fund: 0% interest loans for 5 years for new entrepreneurs
• 'One Window' essential: one-day online business registration
• End of redundant administrative database: 60% reduction in reporting requirements for small SMEs
• Local Employment Scheme: encouraging businesses in disadvantaged areas
• Training grants: €3,000 for each worker receiving eligible training

5. FINANCIAL PROGRAM: TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY

5.1 Budgetary Reform

The Irish budget is complex and difficult for ordinary citizens to understand. DDS recommends a new budgetary system based on full transparency, public participation, and measurable results:

5.2 Detailed Budget — DDS Priorities

Based on a state revenue of €100 billion (2025-2030 estimate with new taxes), the DDS spending program is as follows:

5.3 Savings and Efficiency

Not everything can be financed without additional revenue. But significant savings can be achieved through serious reform of public administration:

• Unified IT system: The Irish public sector has 200+ different IT systems — reduction to 20-30 comprehensive systems, savings of €800m/year
• United Public Leadership: Joint public sector purchasing — 15% savings on purchasing, ~€1.5bn/year
• Ending duplication: Liquidation of 40+ state bodies with similar functions
• Audit every 3 years: All state programs under effectiveness review

5.4 National Debt

Ireland's national debt is around €235 billion (2024), meaning €8bn+ is spent each year on interest alone. DDS recommends a clear strategy:

10. Debt growth restriction: DDS government will not take on new borrowing for current spending — only investment
11. Reduction target: debt to 50% GDP by 2035 (from 80% currently)
12. A revamped National Wealth Fund: safe and carefully nurtured for generations to come
13. Debt audit: a review of who else Ireland is paying and whether all payments are fair and legal

6. HOUSING CRISIS: A COMPREHENSIVE SOLUTION

6.1 Diagnosis: Why is the Crisis Existent?

The housing crisis in Ireland is not necessarily the result of a natural shortage — it is necessarily the result of incorrect policy, land specificity, and a lack of state investment. The main reasons:

14. Land specialty: Institutional investors (global investment funds) buy a lot of land and property in Ireland as an investment, not as a refuge
15. Slow planning control: Large projects spend 3-7 years going through the planning system
16. Lack of social housing: An old model that put social housing construction in the hands of the private market
17. Short-term speciality: Airbnb and short-term rentals are taking homes away from the long-term rental market
18. Construction worker shortage: Professional crisis — 50,000 additional construction workers needed

6.2 DDS Action Plan: 5 Years

6.2.1 Urgent Legal Actions

• Tax on undeveloped land: 3% per year — end of special retention
• Restriction on property purchases by investment funds: prior approval required
• Airbnb legislation: registration requirement, income tax, restrictions in crowded areas
• Fair leases: improved tenant protection — 5-year lease as standard definition
• Fast Track Housing Court: a dedicated court to resolve housing disputes in one month

6.2.2 Public Housing Construction

An 'Irish National Housing Authority' (INHAA) will be created — a publicly owned state body with a clear mandate to build, manage and rent affordable housing:

19. €8 billion investment per year for 5 years
20. Direct construction at UTNI: 15,000 units per year
21. Housing Investment Fund: funding for local authorities to build another 10,000 units
22. Vacant building renovation: grant of up to €80,000 to restore empty buildings
23. Essential workers housing: priority housing scheme for teachers, doctors, nurses, police officers

6.2.3 Rent Control

DDS recommends a rent control system that is internationally recognized as effective — not total restriction (which is counterproductive), but a fair formula based on the cost of construction, maintenance, and a fair return:

• Rent ceiling: regulation linked to local GDP ratio and cost of living
• Rent increase cap: 2% per annum or CPICH scope (whichever is less)
• Rent registry: a national public register of all rents, checkable by everyone
• Tenancy grant: a support payment for low-income households that prevents landlords from raising rents

7. HEALTH: MEDICAL RIGHTS FOR ALL

7.1 The Vision: A Unified Health System

DDS advocates a shift to a single, universal health system — where all citizens are fully covered, using the same health card, without payment at the point of delivery. There are successful examples around the world: the United Kingdom (NHS), Canada, Sweden, Denmark.

7.2 5 Year Action Plan

24. Year 1: Waiting list cut by 30%: 1,000 additional doctors and nurses, new advanced community clinic
25. Year 2: Regionalization: 32 health regions with a new network of center hospitals
26. Year 3: Complete digital record: Unified EHR (Electronic Health Record) for all citizens
27. Year 4: Full mental health coverage: mental health services in primary care
28. Year 5: Single system: full transition — end of waiting list based on ability to pay

7.3 Staff Recruitment and Retention

The most pressing problem in the Irish health system is the flight of doctors, nurses, and hygienists to other countries. Ireland is training doctors for €200,000 each but then losing them to Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom:

• 20-30% salary increase: competing with other countries
• Better living and benefits: affordable housing for doctors, nurses and their families
• Working conditions: restrictions on working hours, mandatory rotation
• Return Scheme: incentives for Irish doctors abroad to return
• New equipment: capital for modern medical technology

8. EDUCATION: LEARNING FOR LIFE

8.1 Critical Analysis of Irish Education

The Irish education system is generally doing well in terms of participation and academic achievement. Ireland ranks 5th in the EU for third-level degrees. However, there are ongoing problems:

• Too much focus on exams: the Leaving Certificate as one pathway — which fails for different learning methods
• Inequalities: Private schools achieving better results — two-tier system
• Vocational education: still a rosy reputation — need for equal status with the academic course
• Language: Irish is declining — it is not spoken naturally except in the Gaeltacht
• Physical education and mental health: inadequate in the curriculum
• Technology: varying levels of access to digital tools between schools

8.2 Curriculum Reform

29. New Leaving Certificate: composite assessment — projects, portfolio work, and examination; no more 'do-or-die' single exam
30. Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) courses: not ignoring art, history, literature — but both together
31. Democratic Education: essential content about democracy, civil rights, and the political system
32. Mental Health and Wellbeing: once a week — seeking help, managing stress, neighborhood
33. Reformed Irish: a spoken, practical and cultural model — competitions, films, music
34. Financial Education: budgeting, credit, taxes, and saving — from 5th grade onwards

8.3 Third Level Education — Equal Access

• A complete end to college fees: free education at all levels
• Enhanced student grant: €350/week for students below income threshold
• Vocational education on an equal footing: Equal status and funding to OLL
• Adult access: accreditation of prior learning, a full route into third-level education
• Research: €3 billion national research fund with a focus on enterprise and society

9. ENVIRONMENT: A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE

9.1 Current Situation: The Climate Emergency in Ireland

Ireland is losing its own way in the fight against climate change. Despite pledge after pledge, Ireland has failed to meet its emissions targets for the fifth year in a row. This is incredible for a country as small as Ireland. The main reasons are:

• Agriculture: 35% of emissions, but too slow in strategic change
• Transport: 20% of emissions, based too heavily on private cars
• Energy: still relying on natural gas for the grill, as a backup
• Look at biodiversity sand: 97% of bogs destroyed, 80% of saltwater birds gone since the 1970s

9.2 DDS Environmental Program

9.2.1 Energy

9.2.2 Sustainable Transport

35. €10bn investment in public transport by 2030: trains, trams, electric buses
36. National bike path: 10,000km of safe, car-separated cycle paths
37. Electric car energy: target of 80% of new cars electric by 2030
38. End of new petrol/diesel car sales: 2030
39. Village Transport: regular bus service for all towns over 1,000 people

9.2.3 Nature Protection

• Reforestation: 50,000 hectares per year — native mixed forests, not pine monopolies
• Peatland Restoration: 200,000 hectares of peatland to be restored by 2035 — carbon storage and biodiversity
• Marine Protected Areas: 30% of Ireland's marine area under legal protection by 2030
• Biodiversity Tax: all new development paying into a restoration fund
• Organic Agriculture: target of 30% of land under organic management by 2030

9.3 Fair Transfer

This environmental program must not be implemented in a way that harms rural communities or economically vulnerable communities. The carbon transition must be just — which means:

• Financial support for farmers changing their practices — not punishment without compensation
• Training for communities whose jobs are at risk due to the green transition
• Investment in rural infrastructure as part of the transition
• Full dialogue with rural communities before any new policy

10. SOCIAL MATTERS: EQUALITY AND DIGNITY

10.1 New Social Protection System

DDS advocates for a reform of social protection — a system that is currently complex, bureaucratic, and sometimes even humiliating for those who use it. We advocate for a system that is simple, dignified, and inclusive:

10.1.1 Universal Basic Income — Pilot

DDS will take a cautious approach to Universal Basic Income (UBI). Rather than a full-scale immediate approach (which would be too costly), we propose a 5-year pilot program:

40. Year 1-3: IBU Pilot in 2 regions (10,000 people): €1,100/month for each adult
41. Year 3-5: Evaluation: independent audit of health, employment, and participation
42. Evidence-based decision: expansion or change based on pilot outcome
43. Funding: through tax reform and rationalisation of existing allowances

10.1.2 Allowance Reform

• Simplification: reduction from 40+ different schemes to 10 clear main schemes
• Digital: online application, determination, and payment — no need for weekends in line
• Right of appeal: determination within 10 working days, independent appeal within 30 days
• An end to 'publicizing shame': a process of respect and disregard for power
• Increase: all payments automatically linked to cost of living index

10.2 Equality and Diversity

Ireland has made significant progress on equality — notably with referendums on same-sex marriage (2015) and abortion (2018). But significant challenges remain:

• Gender equality: pay gap between men and women 11.3% (2023) — mandatory pay transparency legislation
• Disabilities: full access to public infrastructure and new employment standards
• Migrants: strong legal protection, work rights, and integration opportunities
• LGBTQ+ community: development of health support, and protection against discrimination still listed
• Dúchultúr: investment in Irish, art, music, and cultural heritage as part of national identity

10.3 Fair Immigration Policy

Ireland has transformed from a country of emigration to a country of immigration. This is an enrichment in many ways — but it must be managed fairly, transparently, and humanely:

• Protection process: fast asylum process (90 days) with a clear, truthful, and appealable decision
• Equal opportunities: work and education permits for asylum seekers during the process
• Integration: Irish language programs, employment opportunities, and community initiatives
• Anti-racism legislation: new and amended laws against racism and discrimination
• Clear boundaries: clear policies about who can enter and who cannot — it is not democratic without fair legal boundaries

11. LAW AND ORDER: JUSTICE AND PROTECTION

11.1 Policing Reform

An Garda Síochána is under great pressure — staff shortages, limited resources, and high levels of public dissatisfaction. DDS recommends:

44. Recruiting 3,000 additional gardaí by 2028 — with an emphasis on disadvantaged communities
45. Community policing: a garda with an area, local knowledge, and local accountability
46. Technology: body cameras, modern case management system
47. Independent Accountability Guardian: an independent body with real audit power
48. Anti-racism and psychological training: modern training standards

11.2 Judicial Reform

• Court to Come with Fast Track Function: Fast Track Civil Court for cases under €50,000
• Legal aid: inclusive access for everyone, regardless of income
• Prison: a return to rehabilitation, not revenge — an education, training, and mental health program in every prison
• Grommed Offences: Ending Gambling Convictions — A Health Approach Instead of Criminal Law
• Digital Law: new legislation for digital crimes, online harassment, and fraud

12. INFRASTRUCTURE: CONNECTING THE NATION

12.1 Transportation

Ireland is one of the EU countries most dependent on private cars. Dublin is regularly criticised as the worst city in Europe for traffic. The gap between towns and cities is even wider:

12.2 Universal Broadband

15% of rural households in Ireland still do not have high-speed broadband (2024). National Broadband Ireland has initiated the programme, but delays and costs are increasing. DDS recommends:

49. Clear goal: 1Gbps broadband for 100% of homes and businesses by 2028
50. State investment: additional €2bn if current programme not fully delivered
51. Contract audit: review of all National Broadband contracts
52. Satellite: Starlink beam or low-cost technology in remote areas

13. AGRICULTURE: FARMING AND ENVIRONMENTAL BALANCE

13.1 Current Situation

Irish farmers are in a difficult situation: from an income perspective, they are struggling with rising production costs, low market prices, and environmental pressure from the state. But from an environmental perspective, current practices cannot continue. A balanced solution is needed:

• Average farmer income: €30,000-€45,000 per year — below the national average wage
• Land cost: one of the highest in Europe — €9,000-€25,000/hectare
• Farmer age: average age 58 years — generational renewal needed
• Farmer's income base: 70%+ from the EU (CAP — Common Agricultural Policy) — strategic vulnerability

13.2 DDS Agricultural Program

53. Supported transition: €500m fund for farmers adopting sustainable and organic practices
54. Short-term farming: support for local markets, school canteens, and direct sales
55. Paid environment schemes: an indication of soil quality, biodiversity, and carbon storage
56. Young generation: special grants, advice, and land access for farmers under 40 years old
57. Farming cooperative: support for farmers buying and selling together
58. Research: €200m for sustainable agricultural research relevant to Ireland

14. DIGITAL IRELAND: INNOVATION AND PRIVACY

14.1 Digital Infrastructure

Ireland is a European technology hub — Dublin is home to the headquarters of Amazon, Google, Apple, Meta, and many others. But while millions of jobs have been created, most of the added value is taken out of Ireland. DDS advocates a shift to a more equitable digital economy:

• Data control: every citizen owns their personal data — strong GDPR protection and more
• National Cloud: state cloud infrastructure for government services — not reliant on private corporations
• Digital Government Platform: all state services online, accessible, and simple by 2028
• Digital Training: free courses for all citizens in digital skills
• AI protection: national legislation on the use of Artificial Intelligence in the public sector

14.2 Digital Democracy Platform DDS

Every member of DDS in Ireland will be able to participate in internal democracy through a secure, transparent, and impartial platform. The three-code system will ensure that every vote is valid, every member is competent, and every decision is accountable.

15. INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND FOREIGN POLICY

15.1 Ireland in the European Union

Ireland is an important member of the European Union. Ireland has benefited significantly from EU membership — structural funds, access to a large market, and legal protection. However, Ireland's relationship with the EU has been at times complicated, particularly over corporate tax and financial policy.

• Support for the EU but arguing strongly for Irish interests in EU talks
• Corporation tax: a clear position — promoting a fair European system while protecting Ireland's tax capacity
• Currency protection: support for the euro but proposing reform of the Stability Regulation rules
• EU social rights: putting pressure on the EU to raise social and environmental standards

15.2 Irish Neutrality

Ireland is supposed to be militarily neutral — it is not in NATO. But that neutrality is more complicated than one might think. DDS believes:

59. Active neutrality: not passive neutrality but active participation in peace, mediation, and diplomacy
60. Defense army: not a military investment for attack but a strong and well-equipped national defense force
61. Rules-Based Global Order: strong support for the United Nations and international law
62. Development cooperation: increasing development assistance to 0.7% of GDP — a promise that Ireland made and failed to keep
63. Global decarbonisation: an Irish leader in international climate relations

16. 100 DAY ACTION PLAN

16.1 The First 100 Days: Urgent Priorities

If DDS emerges in Ireland, this is what will be done in the first 100 days:

16.2 Retained Earnings — Years 1-5

17. CONCLUSION: THE CHOICE

There is a choice for Ireland — a choice between continuing with the same system that has failed many Irish people for generations, or a call for real, fundamental, and honest change.

DDS is not a perfect system. No system can be perfect. But it is based on fundamental principles that no other system takes seriously: logic, common sense, truth, competence, and mutual respect. It is based on the belief that everyone has the potential to contribute, that every voice matters, and that together we will achieve better results than if we were alone.

This program proposes changes that are difficult. Some of these changes will upset entrenched interests — land speculators, corporations exploiting tax loopholes, and political groups that have long been in power. But that is precisely why it is necessary.

APPENDIX A: TERMINOLOGY AND GLOSSARY

APPENDIX B: SOURCES AND REFERENCES

This document is based on an analysis of official statistics from the following sources:

• Central Statistics Office Ireland (CSO) — cso.ie
• Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government — gov.ie/housing
• Health Service Executive (HSE) — hse.ie
• Eurostat — ec.europa.eu/eurostat
• OECD Health Statistics 2024
• Environmental Protection Agency Ireland (EPA) — epa.ie
• Department of Finance — gov.ie/finance
• Oireachtas Reports — oireachtas.ie
• European Commission — ec.europa.eu
• DirectDemocracyS — directdemocracys.org