Submission on the Programme for Government 2024

Published December 2024

A blueprint for equity, opportunity, and inclusion, ODI’s submission for the Programme for Government 2024.

The Open Doors Initiative (ODI) has submitted its recommendations for Ireland’s next Programme for Government, calling for bold action to create a society where employment and entrepreneurship are accessible to all.

Despite progress, systemic barriers remain. Ireland still records the lowest rate of disability employment in Europe, wage inequality persists and many marginalised groups face entrenched obstacles to work. Our submission outlines how Government can embed equity and inclusion at the heart of national policy, ensuring sustainable growth and social cohesion.

Key Recommendations

• Create an Integration & Inclusion Taskforce, bringing Government and business together to develop long-term solutions to issues for the migrant community.
• Invest in intensive English language classes, funded by the National Training Fund, to improve employability for migrants and refugees.
• Lead a national information campaign to dispel myths and fears about migration, fostering community cohesion.
• Amend equality laws to include people with a criminal history and trans and non-binary people.
• Introduce pay equity legislation and make the living wage the minimum wage.
• Reform disability supports, detaching welfare from employment so that the cost of disability is recognised regardless of work status.
• Support marginalised entrepreneurs with grants, loans, incubators, and insurance underwriting.
• Expand accessible remote working hubs and flexible working arrangements.