The new programme for government needs to deliver for young people and make "substantive investments in rural youth", according to the Macra national president, Elaine Houlihan.

The comments follow the publication of the draft document today (Wednesday, January 15) after Fianna Fáil and Fine Gael agreed to form the next government, with support from a number of independent TDs.

The draft will now be the subject of approval by the party memberships over the coming days.

This will then clear the way for the nomination of a Taoiseach when the Dail returns on January 22 and the formation of the 35^th government of Ireland.

The Macra president welcomed the parties' efforts to form a government and publish their ambitions for the next five years.

However, speaking at a public consultation on generational renewal in Limerick this evening, Houlihan said young people will expect commitments outlined in the document to be delivered on.

“This new government has set out its ambition to deliver on generational renewal and young people will be watching very closely and holding the government to account on this point.

"We released a set of priorities during the election and we look forward to engaging the new government on these priorities," she said.

"However, paper never refuses ink and we don’t want this programme to be just a formula of words, we want real action, otherwise rural youth ultimately face a bleak future.

"We are happy to see government formation at a final stage, we need real action on generational renewal, rural livelihoods and rural infrastructure to protect our future," Houlihan added.

Macra has reiterated that it will work with any and all parties to deliver for the good of the farming community and rural young people.