Agriculture & Food
Bills affecting farming, food production, fisheries, animal welfare and rural Ireland.
43 bills tracked under this topic.
Commission on the Future of the Family Farm Bill 2024
26 Feb 2026 First Stage Defeated Martin Kenny
- Creates a new Commission on the Future of the Family Farm to examine and advise on family farming policy and sustainability.
- Commission will define functions related to family farm issues; exact powers and responsibilities set out in the Act's provisions.
- Bill was defeated at First Stage; did not progress to further legislative debate or enactment.
Agri-Food Regulator (Amendment) Bill 2026
21 Jan 2026 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Gives the Agri-Food Regulator power to request price, margin, and financial data from agricultural and food businesses to increase market transparency.
- Allows the regulator to access supply chain business information to protect consumers and monitor fair trading practices.
- Amends existing regulator powers; specific enforcement mechanisms and data-sharing limits not detailed in long title.
Dog Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2025
21 Nov 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Sets limits on breeding bitches per establishment, minimum breeding age, and staff-to-bitch ratios to improve dog welfare conditions.
- Requires puppies remain with mothers for a minimum period and bans surgical artificial insemination in dog breeding.
- Amends dog breeding regulations; specific numerical caps and age thresholds not detailed in long title alone.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2025
18 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Adds sprat fish to protected species list; allows only accidental catch, not intentional fishing for sprat.
- Stops commercial sprat fishing until science confirms sprat populations, habitats, and ecosystem role are understood.
- Supports inshore fishers affected by sprat fishing ban through a Just Transition program.
Animal Health and Welfare (Welfare of Pigs) Bill 2025
2 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Paul Murphy
- Bans teeth-clipping, tail-docking, and castration of pigs. Restricts tusk reduction. Amends the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act.
- Regulates sow stalls and farrowing crates—the enclosures where breeding pigs and new mothers are kept during farming.
- Bill stage: Second Stage. Sponsor: Paul Murphy. Practical effect: tightens pig welfare standards in Irish farming practices.
Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Fox Hunting) Bill 2025
29 May 2025 Second Stage Current Ruth Coppinger
- Bans hunting foxes in Ireland by amending the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act.
- Applies a legal prohibition on the practice; related enforcement or penalty details not yet specified.
- Bill at Second Stage; specific scope, exceptions, and implementation mechanisms still under parliamentary review.
Veterinary Practice (Amendment) Bill 2021
28 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Jackie Cahill
- Only qualified veterinary practitioners can own veterinary practices. Non-practitioners are prohibited from ownership.
- Closes loopholes allowing non-veterinarians to control practices, strengthening professional oversight and standards.
- Bill currently at Committee Stage; specific enforcement mechanisms and transition rules for existing non-practitioner owners not detailed here.
Wildlife (Amendment) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Adds Basking Shark to protected species list under Wildlife Act 1976.
- Makes it illegal to intentionally or recklessly injure, disturb, or harass protected wild animals, except during hunting.
- Allows Minister to create a code of conduct for wildlife tourism and recreational activities.
Animal Sentience Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Paul Murphy
- Creates an Animal Sentience Committee to assess how government policies affect animal welfare.
- Amends the 2013 Animal Health and Welfare Act to formally recognize animals as sentient beings.
- Committee will review policies across government departments for their impact on animal welfare.
Animal Health and Welfare (Prohibition of Animal Testing for Botox) (Amendment) Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Paul Murphy
- Amends Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to ban animal testing specifically for botox production and cosmetic purposes.
- Prohibits companies from using animals to test botox safety, efficacy, or development in Ireland.
- Bill currently at Second Stage; seeks to strengthen animal protection laws in cosmetic testing sector.
Protection of Hares Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Bans the Minister for Agriculture from issuing licences for hare coursing activities.
- Extends Wildlife Act 1976 protections to hares, treating them as fully protected species.
- Bill currently at Second Stage; specific penalties or enforcement mechanisms not detailed in long title.
Animal Health and Welfare (Ban on Hare Coursing) Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Paul Murphy
- Bans hare coursing with dogs in Ireland. Amends Wildlife Act 1976 and Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to enforce the prohibition.
- Makes related changes to Greyhound Industry Act 1958 and other Acts governing hare coursing activities and associated regulations.
- Bill at Second Stage; specific penalties, enforcement mechanisms, and transition arrangements not detailed in long title alone.
Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Accidents) Bill 2024
24 Apr 2025 Enacted
- Dissolves the Marine Casualty Investigation Board and transfers its functions to a new Marine Accident Investigation Unit within the Department of Transport.
- Replaces the 2000 Investigation of Marine Casualties Act with new rules for investigating and reporting marine accidents in Irish waters.
- Amends three existing Merchant Shipping Acts to regulate offshore service vessels and align investigation procedures with updated maritime safety standards.
Horticultural Peat (Temporary Measures) Bill 2021
28 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Micheál Carrigy
- Temporarily allows peat extraction for horticulture by amending planning and environmental laws to address supply disruptions in the public interest.
- Provides exceptional provisions for a limited period, with measures to support a just transition away from peat dependency.
- Information missing: specific duration of temporary measures, extraction volume limits, and transition support details not stated in title.
Control of Dogs (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Erin McGreehan
- Adds dog control notices to the 1986 Act, allowing authorities to address problem dog behavior through formal enforcement measures.
- Requires councils to maintain a mandatory dog licensing database and creates designated public spaces where dogs can legally be off-leash.
- Introduces notices excluding dogs from certain premises and amends local government rules to manage dog access in public areas.
Animal Health and Welfare (Dogs) Bill 2022
21 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Paul Gavan
- Allows seized dogs to be rehomed in certain situations instead of only being kept or destroyed.
- Changes dog licensing rules by amending the Control of Dogs Act 1986 and Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013.
- Bill currently in Committee Stage; specific licensing changes and rehoming criteria details not provided in title alone.
Farm Safety Agency Bill 2018
5 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Paul Daly
- Creates Farm Safety Agency within Health and Safety Authority to oversee farm safety standards and regulations.
- Amends Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 to define Agency's functions and responsibilities.
- Bill is at Committee Stage; specific powers, funding, and enforcement mechanisms not detailed in title alone.
Equitable Beef Pricing Bill 2020
28 Feb 2025 Second Stage Defeated Peadar Tóibín
- Bill aims to guarantee fair beef prices for farmers to make farming a viable income source.
- Addresses sustainability of beef farming sector through pricing mechanisms and related regulatory measures.
- Bill was defeated at Second Stage; specific price-setting mechanisms or enforcement details not provided.
Planning and Development (Solar Panels for Public Buildings, Schools, Homes and Other Premises) (Amendment) Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 Committee Stage Lapsed Pauline O'Reilly
- Removes planning restrictions on solar panel installations on public buildings, schools, homes, industrial buildings, and farms.
- Amends the 2001 Planning and Development Regulations to streamline approval process for solar panel projects.
- Bill lapsed at Committee Stage; did not become law. Status and current solar panel planning rules unchanged.
Special Measures in the Public Interest (Derrybrien Wind Farm) Bill 2023
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Defeated Tom Clonan
- Bill transfers Derrybrien wind farm ownership to Western Development Commission to help secure Ireland's electricity supply.
- Allows removal of current Gort Windfarms staff and appointment of new personnel; renames company and transfers land lease.
- Suspends certain company law rules for Gort Windfarms; existing contracts remain valid. Bill was defeated at first stage.
Anaerobic Digestion (National Strategy) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Christopher O'Sullivan
- Requires Ireland to develop a national strategy for anaerobic digestion, a process converting organic waste into energy and fertiliser.
- Specifies what the strategy must cover and likely sets targets or policies to increase anaerobic digestion capacity across the country.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; information on specific requirements, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms is unavailable from title alone.
Dog Breeding Establishments (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Strengthens rules governing dog breeding establishments to improve animal welfare standards and oversight.
- Specific regulatory changes not detailed in long title; legislative text needed to identify concrete requirements.
- Bill lapsed before completion; did not become law. Sponsor: Peadar Tóibín.
Rural Equality Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Claire Kerrane
- Public bodies must consider reducing socio-economic inequalities affecting rural Ireland in their decisions.
- Government measures likely to significantly impact rural areas must undergo rural impact assessments beforehand.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no legislative changes enacted. Specific assessment criteria and timelines not detailed.
Mandatory Beef Price Transparency Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Brian Stanley
- Creates a system to collect and publish beef prices at each supply chain stage from farmer to consumer.
- Aims to increase transparency so all parties can see price information across the beef industry.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage in parliament and is no longer active.
Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Mattie McGrath
- Amends 2000 Marine Casualty Investigation Act to change who sits on the Marine Casualty Investigation Board.
- Specific composition changes not detailed in available information; bill lapsed before passage so changes not enacted.
- Sponsored by Mattie McGrath; did not progress beyond Second Stage in Oireachtas.
Island Fisheries (Heritage Licence) Bill 2017
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Martin Kenny
- Allows island fishermen to get heritage licences to continue traditional fishing practices on Ireland's offshore islands.
- Enables fishing methods and practices tied to island communities' cultural heritage to be formally permitted and protected.
- Bill did not progress beyond Second Stage debate and lapsed without becoming law.
Agriculture Appeals (Amendment) Bill 2024
1 Nov 2024 Enacted
- Creates Agriculture Appeals Review Panel to review decisions by appeals officers under the 2001 Act.
- Bans unauthorised disclosure of information by panel members and Forestry Appeals Committee members.
- Removes mandatory retirement age of 70 for Aquaculture Licences Appeals Board members.
Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates An Rialálaí Agraibhia, a new regulator to monitor prices, analyze markets, and enforce rules in agricultural and food supply chains.
- Bans unfair trading practices between businesses in the agricultural sector, such as improper price pressure or contract manipulation.
- Gives the Agriculture Minister power to make regulations on unfair practices and enforcement, implementing an EU directive on supply chain fairness.
Finance (Covid-19 and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Makes Pandemic Special Recognition Payment tax-free and adjusts taxes, stamp duties, and excise duties.
- Supports employers and businesses through amended welfare and VAT rules; refunds stamp duty on cost rental homes.
- Waives excise duty on certain liquor licenses and creates tax treatment for fishing boat license payments under EU scheme.
Merchant Shipping (Investigation of Marine Casualties) (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Changes Marine Casualty Investigation Board's composition to reflect updated maritime safety standards and investigation requirements.
- Requires ship operators to notify the Board and Marine Survey Office when marine casualties occur, improving accident reporting and data collection.
- Updates the definition of 'Safety Convention' in 1952 shipping law to align with current international maritime safety rules and practices.
Animal Health and Welfare and Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Bans breeding animals solely for fur or skin. Compensates mink farmers licensed under old law before ban takes effect.
- Gives Agriculture Minister power to license livestock marts through new regulations. Removes old licensing rules from 2013 Animal Act.
- Creates schemes to plant native trees under Forestry Act. Repeals 1979 Milk Act and makes related changes.
Sea-Fisheries (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates a points registration system for Irish fishing boat masters, tracking violations under EU fishing regulations.
- Amends sea fisheries laws to enforce EU rules on fishing boat operations and master conduct standards.
- Updates existing point system regulations and related fisheries enforcement procedures.
Maritime Area Planning Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates a National Marine Planning Framework and Maritime Area Regulatory Authority to manage long-term and short-term ocean uses through consents and licences.
- Requires maritime area consent for major ocean activities and licences for minor or temporary uses; integrates with existing planning permission rules.
- Gives the new Authority power to grant, revoke, suspend consents and licences, manage foreshore rights, and enforce maritime regulations.
Nursing Homes Support Scheme (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends the Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 to change how financial support is assessed for people with farm or business interests entering long-term residential care.
- Allows certain farmers and business owners to qualify for nursing home financial support by meeting specific conditions related to their assets.
- Modifies the financial assessment rules to prevent forced asset sales for those transitioning to long-term care while protecting their farm or business.
Maritime Jurisdiction Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Ireland's maritime boundaries and rights are defined by UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982). This Act implements those international rules into Irish law.
- Repeals outdated maritime jurisdiction rules from 1968 and 2006 Acts. Updates how Ireland claims and manages its sea zones and continental shelf.
- Clarifies State's authority over waters, seabed, and resources offshore. Enables Ireland to enforce laws and manage fisheries within its maritime zones.
Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Establishes new rules for veterinary medicines and medicated animal feed, replacing the 1993 Animal Remedies Act with updated regulations.
- Creates a national database to record all veterinary prescriptions, allowing tracking of medicine use in animals.
- Updates the 1955 Fertilisers Act to modernise requirements for fertilisers, feeding stuffs, and mineral mixtures for agriculture.
Prohibition of Sulky-Racing Bill 2018
17 Dec 2020 First Stage Defeated Mattie McGrath
- Proposes to ban sulky racing (horse-drawn cart racing) unless the organizer obtains legal permission beforehand.
- Aimed at stopping unauthorized sulky racing events on public roads or private land without proper licensing.
- Bill was defeated at First Stage in 2018; did not proceed to further debate or enactment.
Forestry (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020
5 Oct 2020 Enacted
- Forestry Appeals Committee can now split into divisions to handle appeals faster, with new reporting requirements and fee-payment procedures.
- Forestry license applications for felling, afforestation, forest roads, and aerial fertilisation must be published for public access.
- Amends Agriculture Appeals Act 2001 and Forestry Act 2014 to streamline forest management processes and transparency.
Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2020
14 Jul 2020 Enacted
- Increases the maximum grant the Minister can give to Microfinance Ireland under the 2012 Act to provide more microenterprise loans.
- Raises Microfinance Ireland's borrowing limit under the 2012 Act to expand its lending capacity.
- Increases the maximum liability for government contributions to European Investment Fund agreements involving business and agriculture ministers.
Equitable Beef Pricing Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Aims to guarantee fair beef prices for farmers to support sustainable livelihoods in the sector.
- Proposes removing the 30-month age limit rule for cattle (specific practical effect unclear from title).
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; never progressed to full debate or voting in parliament.
Prohibition of Fur Farming Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Ruth Coppinger
- Bans keeping animals solely or mainly to kill them for fur sales in Ireland.
- Amends the Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to add fur farming prohibitions and related rules.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage introduction before it lapsed.
Foal Levy Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Clare Daly
- Amends 1994 and 1999 horseracing Acts to change how foal levy fees are charged on horse breeding.
- Creates a new Levy Committee to oversee foal levy administration and decision-making.
- Bill did not progress beyond introduction; status lapsed without becoming law.
Prohibition of Wild Animals in Circuses Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Ruth Coppinger
- Amends Animal Health and Welfare Act 2013 to ban wild animals in circuses.
- Prohibits use of wild animals in circus performances and related activities.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to debate or enactment.