Ireland's new government outlines key priorities for first 100 days

Ireland's new government on Wednesday outlined key priorities for the first 100 days, saying that it will set up a rural broadband task force and a national treatment purchase fund to reduce hospital waiting lists.

The key priorities, enshrined in the Program for Government, also include a reformed budget process and the publication of an action plan for housing within the first 100 days.

In a statement, Ireland's Taoiseach (Prime Minister) Enda Kenny said the program, published on Wednesday, is "extensive but at its core is a simple objective: to make people's lives better in every part of Ireland".

Kenny, who has been leader of Fine Gael (United Ireland Party) since 2002, said his government will work with all members of the parliament and with wider society to deliver real and positive change for the people of Ireland.

Last week, Kenny was reelected as Taoiseach by the Dail Eireann, lower house of Irish parliament. In the parliament election, Kenny secured 59 votes in favor and 49 votes against. He got the support of his party of 50 and nine independent TDs, which could guarantee him forming a minority government.

He then announced his new cabinet, appointing four of independent TDs taking up ministerial or junior ministerial positions. Endit