Constitutional & Electoral
Bills amending the Constitution, referendum law, electoral procedure and the Oireachtas itself.
119 bills tracked under this topic.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2026
14 May 2026 First Stage Defeated Pa Daly
- CRU gains power to monitor wholesale and retail energy prices, requiring more frequent reporting to track market activity.
- CRU can now regulate hedging practices and has stronger tools to detect and stop anti-competitive behaviour by suppliers.
- CRU's consumer protection role expands and gains new powers to address energy affordability issues for households.
Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Right to Housing) Bill 2026
27 Mar 2026 Second Stage Current Rory Hearne
- Proposes a constitutional amendment to add a right to housing in Ireland's constitution.
- Currently at Second Stage of legislative process; specific amendment text and scope not detailed in provided information.
- Sponsored by Rory Hearne; practical effects of amendment depend on final wording and passage through remaining stages.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Standing Charges) Bill 2026
6 Mar 2026 Second Stage Current Darren O'Rourke
- Amends Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to give CRU power to monitor and regulate standing charges on electricity and gas bills.
- Standing charges are fixed daily fees on bills independent of usage; this bill enables CRU oversight of these charges.
- Bill is at Second Stage; practical effect will depend on CRU's specific enforcement powers once legislation passes.
Irish Language Name and Address of the Person (Length Accent) Bill 2026
6 Mar 2026 Second Stage Current Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Protects accuracy of Irish language names and addresses, including proper vowel accents, in official records under Data Protection Act 2018.
- Requires regulators to ensure businesses respect customers' Irish names and addresses by January 1, 2030.
- Amends national postcode system contract rules to align with Irish language name and address standards.
Official Languages (Right to Use the Irish Language) (Amendment) Bill 2026
5 Mar 2026 Second Stage Current Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Amends the Official Languages Act 2003 to protect citizens' right to communicate in Irish without infringement or obstruction.
- Amends the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 to ensure Irish-language communication rights apply online and in media contexts.
- Specific enforcement mechanisms or penalties not detailed in the long title; further information requires examination of bill text.
Health Information Bill 2024
24 Feb 2026 Report Stage Current
- Creates electronic health records (EHRs) for all patients, managed by the HSE, containing personal health data shared between healthcare providers treating the same patient.
- Gives patients access rights to their EHR and information about who accessed it; allows HSE to request health data from providers and use court orders if requests are refused.
- Implements EU Health Data Space rules; permits HSE to share patient data with other countries and use personal public service numbers to identify patients in the system.
Gas Safety (Amendment) Bill 2026
5 Feb 2026 Second Stage Current
- Gas companies must prepare and submit safety cases for natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas activities to the regulator for approval before operating.
- The utility regulator gains power to appoint gas emergency officers for liquefied petroleum gas and strengthen their authority to enforce safety standards.
- Creates appeals process for companies to challenge regulator decisions and repeals two earlier liquefied petroleum gas incident reporting regulations.
Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025
16 Dec 2025 Enacted
- Increases the number of judges across the Court of Appeal, High Court, Circuit Court, and District Court by amending relevant court establishment acts.
- Amends street collections, child care, and gambling regulation laws; repeals certain Family Courts Act 2024 provisions. Specific changes not detailed in long title.
- Updates court infrastructure legislation to expand judicial capacity. Exact number of new judge positions not specified in long title alone.
Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2025
3 Dec 2025 Second Stage Current Anne Rabbitte
- Expands ESB's authority to carry out work on water levels in three Shannon lakes: Lough Derg, Lough Ree, and Lough Allen.
- Amends the 1934 Electricity Supply Act to remove or reduce existing restrictions on ESB's powers for these lake-level operations.
- Bill is at Second Stage; specific restrictions being removed and practical effects are not detailed in title alone.
Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2025
28 Nov 2025 Enacted
- Increases the maximum borrowing limit for the Electricity Supply Board to fund capital projects.
- Allows the ESB to issue capital stock to two government ministers and to employees through an approved scheme.
- Specifies terms for how the ESB manages these new capital stock arrangements and employee participation.
Electricity Regulation (Climate Action and Connection to Distribution and Transmission Systems) Bill 2025
27 Nov 2025 Second Stage Current Ciarán Ahern
- Regulator can require electricity connection offers include climate conditions, like emissions-reduction measures or offsets.
- Amends 1999 Electricity Act to let utilities set terms supporting Ireland's national climate goals.
- Applies to both transmission and distribution network connections; specific measures to be set by regulator.
Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Reduction of Voting Age to Sixteen Years) Bill 2025
13 Nov 2025 Second Stage Current Aidan Farrelly
- Proposes constitutional amendment to lower voting age from 18 to 16 years old.
- Requires passage through Oireachtas and public referendum to take effect.
- Currently at Second Stage; specific election or local voting application details not provided in bill text.
Statute Law Revision Bill 2024
28 Jul 2025 Enacted
- Revokes all statutory instruments made before 1 January 1861, except certain specified ones that remain in force.
- Assigns new citations to surviving pre-1861 instruments to make them easier to reference and use in legal contexts.
- Establishes methods for proving the existence and content of old surviving instruments as evidence in legal proceedings.
Ministers and Secretaries (Attorney General) Bill 2023
11 Jul 2025 Second Stage Defeated Ivana Bacik
- Bill proposes changes to how the Attorney General's office operates, but specifics of amendments to Ministers and Secretaries Acts are not detailed in title alone.
- Bill was defeated at Second Stage, meaning it did not progress to detailed clause-by-clause examination in the Dáil.
- Information on practical effects unavailable: bill text needed to specify which office provisions changed and how they impact the Attorney General role.
Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Voting Rights in Presidential Elections) Bill 2025
18 Jun 2025 Second Stage Current Michael Collins
- This bill proposes to amend Ireland's Constitution, but the long title provides no specifics on what voting rights changes are intended.
- The short title suggests changes to presidential election voting rights, yet details on who gains or loses voting eligibility are absent.
- Bill is at Second Stage; actual amendments and their practical effects cannot be determined from the information provided.
Ukraine Solidarity Bill 2022
28 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jim O'Callaghan
- Establishes criminal and civil liability for aggression and related wrongs, with application beyond Ireland's borders.
- Recognizes qualifications of people displaced by the Ukraine conflict, enabling them to work or study in Ireland.
- Provides comprehensive support measures for Ukraine in response to the Russian Federation's military invasion.
Local Government (Establishment of Town Councils Commission) Bill 2017
28 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Shane Cassells
- Creates a Local Government Commission to review and recommend how town councils should be established and where their boundaries should be set.
- Commission will make recommendations on the town council system structure; Government will consider these recommendations before implementation.
- Bill is at Committee Stage; specific powers, timelines, and commission membership details not provided in title alone.
Local Authority Public Administration Bill 2023
28 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Robert Troy
- Local authorities must give substantive written replies to public communications within a set timeframe.
- Local authorities must respond substantively to written queries from elected representatives within prescribed periods.
- Local authority chief executives can be called to appear before the Dáil Public Accounts Committee.
Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024
15 May 2025 Report Stage Current
- Amends the 1979 Údarás na Gaeltachta Act to change board membership structure and add regional committees to the organisation.
- Extends Údarás na Gaeltachta's functions and introduces elections for certain board members via changes to electoral legislation.
- Updates the Official Languages Act 2003 and Gaeltacht Act 2012 with related amendments to align with these organisational changes.
Voluntary Assisted Dying Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Gino Kenny
- Creates a legal framework allowing terminally ill adults to request medical assistance to end their life under specified conditions.
- Bill is in Second Stage of Dáil debate; details of eligibility criteria, safeguards, and procedures are being considered.
- Would change current Irish law, where assisted dying is not permitted; specific requirements and restrictions await legislative development.
Freedom of Information (Amendment) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Mairéad Farrell
- Amends the Freedom of Information Act 2014 to change how the law works. Specific amendments not detailed in title alone.
- Bill is at Committee Stage, meaning it's being debated and refined in detail before potential further parliamentary votes.
- Sponsored by Mairéad Farrell. Exact changes to FOI access rights or timelines cannot be confirmed from title information provided.
Emergency Price Controls Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Bríd Smith
- Bill aims to cap prices for petrol, diesel, electricity, natural gas, and home heating oil during emergencies.
- Currently at Second Stage in parliament; details on price levels, duration, and enforcement mechanisms not yet available.
- Would require defining what constitutes an emergency and how controls trigger, suspend, or end.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Protection of Financially Vulnerable Customers) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Amends the 1999 Electricity Regulation Act to define 'vulnerable customers' for utility regulation purposes.
- Gives the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications power to create regulations defining vulnerable customer protections.
- Expands the Commission for Regulation of Utilities' functions to address financially vulnerable electricity customers.
Electoral (Home Addresses of Candidates) Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Removes requirement to publish home addresses of candidates for county councils, Dáil, Seanad, presidency, or European Parliament elections.
- Amends six electoral laws (1937–1997) and Local Government Act 1994 to remove address publication rules across all election types.
- Aims to protect candidate privacy while maintaining electoral transparency through other candidate identification methods.
Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Voting) Bill 2014
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Gerry Adams
- Amends the Constitution regarding presidential voting; specific changes unclear—bill title doesn't detail what voting rules change.
- Sponsored by Gerry Adams; currently at Committee Stage in the legislative process.
- Requires constitutional referendum if passed, as all Constitution amendments need public approval.
Local Government (Restoration of Town Councils) Bill 2018
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Brendan Howlin
- Restores town councils as local government bodies. Practical effect: recreates town-level governance structures previously abolished.
- Provides framework for town council operations and related administrative matters. Specific powers and funding mechanisms not detailed in title.
- Bill currently at Committee Stage. Final form and implementation timeline subject to parliamentary review and amendment.
Local Government (Mayor and Regional Authority of Dublin) Bill 2016
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Eamon Ryan
- Creates an elected Mayor covering Dublin City and three surrounding counties (Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, Fingal, South Dublin).
- Establishes Regional Authority of Dublin to handle waste, planning, and other functions across the four local government areas.
- Amends existing laws (Waste Management Act 1996, Planning and Development Act 2000, Local Government Act 2001) to give Mayor and Authority their powers.
Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Water in Public Ownership) Bill 2016
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Thomas Pringle
- Proposes constitutional amendment to establish that water in public ownership must remain publicly owned and controlled.
- Aims to prevent privatisation of public water supplies through constitutional protection rather than ordinary legislation.
- At Second Stage; amendment requires two-thirds parliamentary approval plus majority public referendum to pass.
Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Water in Public Ownership) (No. 2) Bill 2016
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Clare Daly
- Proposes constitutional amendment to enshrine water in public ownership and control.
- Aims to prevent privatization of public water supplies and water services.
- Bill currently in Committee Stage; requires parliamentary passage and public referendum to amend Constitution.
Standards in Public Office (Amendment) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Mairéad Farrell
- Amends two ethics laws: the Standards in Public Office Act 2001 and the Ethics in Public Office Act 1995. Specific changes not detailed in titles provided.
- Bill is at Second Stage in the Oireachtas, meaning it has passed initial debate and is undergoing detailed examination by lawmakers.
- Exact amendments and practical effects cannot be determined from title alone—full bill text needed to explain what rules change for public officials.
Commission for Future Generations Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Marc Ó Cathasaigh
- Creates a Commission for Future Generations to report to Government on establishing an Office of Ombudsman for Future Generations.
- The Ombudsman would represent the interests of future generations in policy and decision-making.
- Bill is still in Committee Stage; final scope and powers of both bodies not yet determined.
Children and Family Relationships (Amendment) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Ivana Bacik
- Amends the 2015 Children and Family Relationships Act to create new pathways for parents of donor-conceived children to establish legal parentage.
- Expands existing provisions so more family structures can legally recognize parentage in donor conception cases through updated procedures.
- Currently in Committee Stage; specific amendments and implementation details not publicly available at this stage.
Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2020
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Pat Casey
- Expands who can vote in Seanad university panel elections to all adults with Irish third-level qualifications, not just graduates.
- Amends the Seanad Electoral (University Members) Acts 1937–2006 to implement seventh constitutional amendment provisions.
- Broadens the electorate beyond current university graduate voters to include all qualifying third-level credential holders aged 18+.
Electoral (Amendment) (Voting at 16) Bill 2021
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Lowers voting age from 18 to 16 for European Parliament and local government elections only.
- Allows 16-year-olds to register as electors for these two election types; does not affect general elections.
- Currently in Committee Stage; bill details on implementation and related administrative changes not yet finalized.
Seanad Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2015
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Diarmuid Wilson
- Expands who can vote in Seanad bye-elections to fill vacant seats to include local authority members.
- Changes the electoral base for casual vacancies in Seanad Éireann from current rules to a broader electorate.
- Bill at Committee Stage; specific details of which local authorities or voting thresholds not provided in source.
Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Judicial Oath of Office) Bill 2025
21 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Barry Ward
- This bill proposes to amend the Irish Constitution, but the long title provides no detail on what specific change is intended.
- The short title references 'judicial oath of office,' suggesting it may alter how judges take office, though exact changes are not specified.
- Bill is at Second Stage; full scope and practical effects cannot be determined from available information.
Local Government (Support for Elected Members) Bill 2024
5 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Lynn Ruane
- Local authorities must provide administrative support to elected members to help them perform their duties effectively.
- Amends the Local Government Act 2001 to establish requirements around supporting elected members with resources and assistance.
- Bill is currently at Second Stage; specific support entitlements and implementation details not yet publicly detailed.
Electoral (Civil Society Freedom) (Amendment) Bill 2019
5 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Lynn Ruane
- Amends Electoral Act 1997 to protect civil society organisations' rights to freedom of association and expression during elections.
- Addresses restrictions on how non-profit groups can operate and communicate regarding electoral matters without state interference.
- Specific amendments and enforcement mechanisms not detailed in long title; full scope requires review of bill text.
Regulation of Display of Electoral and Polling Posters and Other Advertisements Bill 2022
28 Feb 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Pauline O'Reilly
- Amends election poster and advertisement rules across Presidential, General, Local, European Parliament, and Referendum elections.
- Updates laws governing where, when, and how electoral campaign materials can be displayed during election periods.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not progress to become law.
Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Agreement on a Unified Patent Court) Bill 2024
20 Feb 2025 Committee Stage Current
- Amends the Irish Constitution to enable Ireland to ratify the Unified Patent Court Agreement, creating a single EU-wide patent court system.
- Allows Ireland to participate in unified patent litigation rather than handling cases through separate national courts.
- Constitutional change required because the Agreement involves transferring some judicial authority to an international court body.
Seanad Bill 2020
20 Feb 2025 Committee Stage Current Michael McDowell
- Expands who can vote in Seanad elections and establishes a new Seanad Electoral Commission to manage elections.
- Repeals two older laws (1947 and 1937 acts) governing how panel and university members were elected to Seanad.
- Reforms Seanad Éireann's structure and election process within constitutional limits; specific franchise changes and commission powers not detailed in title.
Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Right to Vote at 16) Bill 2021
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Thomas Pringle
- Proposes constitutional amendment to lower voting age from 18 to 16 for elections and referendums.
- Requires Oireachtas approval, then public referendum to pass. Bill lapsed without becoming law.
- Would expand franchise; practical effect unknown without details on which elections included.
Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2018
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Dessie Ellis
- Introduces democratic elections for Údarás na Gaeltachta members, replacing current appointment method.
- Applies to the authority managing economic and social development in Irish-speaking regions (Gaeltacht).
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; practical impact of proposed changes did not take effect.
Republic of Ireland (Amendment) Bill 2025
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Vincent P. Martin
- Removes section 2 of the 1948 Republic of Ireland Act, which currently defines how the State is described in law.
- Changes the official description or naming of the State by deleting existing legislative language from 1948.
- Bill did not progress beyond initial introduction; current status shows it lapsed without becoming law.
Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Eugene Murphy
- Removes restrictions on the Electricity Supply Board's ability to manage water levels on three Shannon lakes: Lough Derg, Lough Ree, and Lough Allen.
- Amends the 1934 Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Act to give ESB greater operational flexibility for these water management works.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; did not progress beyond Second Stage debate in Dáil.
Gender Recognition (Amendment) Bill 2017
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed David P.B. Norris
- Amends 2015 Act to let people aged 16+ legally change their registered gender without medical requirements.
- Creates pathway for under-16s to seek legal gender recognition; details of approval process not specified in long title.
- Directs government to consider how Irish law should treat non-binary gender identities; specific provisions unclear.
Electoral (Amendment) (Voting at 16) Bill 2016
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Lynn Ruane
- Lowers voting age to 16 for European Parliament and local government elections only.
- Allows 16-year-olds to register as electors for these two election types.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not become law.
Electoral Reform (Amendment) and Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Defeated Alice-Mary Higgins
- Expands Electoral Commission's role to review Seanad voting system, franchise rules, and minimum voting age.
- Protects civil society organisations' freedom of association and expression in electoral contexts under Electoral Act 1997.
- Provides free public transport on polling day to improve voter access.
Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2024
18 Nov 2024 Enacted
- Amends the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Act 2003 to update its rules and operations.
- Specific changes to Commission structure, powers, or procedures are not detailed in provided information.
- Bill became law; review official text or government summary for detailed amendments and effects.
Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Bill 2024
18 Nov 2024 Enacted
- Companies and societies can now hold general meetings using electronic communications technology instead of in-person only.
- New offence created for obstructing Corporate Enforcement Authority officers; audit exemptions tightened; companies can be struck off on additional grounds.
- Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority gains powers to issue interim directions and use reserve fund money for supervisory functions.
Houses of the Oireachtas (Members) Bill 2024
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Violet-Anne Wynne
- Allows Parliament to set rules for member absences through standing orders.
- Extends secretarial support entitlements for members in specific circumstances.
- Amends 2021 Secretarial Facilities Regulations to enable expanded support access.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) Bill 2024
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Darren O'Rourke
- CRU gains powers to monitor wholesale and retail electricity prices more closely and report findings more frequently.
- CRU can regulate hedging practices and investigate anti-competitive behaviour by gas and electricity suppliers more effectively.
- CRU's role expands to strengthen consumer protection and address energy affordability issues in the market.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Standing Charges) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Darren O'Rourke
- Amends Electricity Regulation Act 1999 to give CRU power to monitor and regulate standing charges on electricity and gas bills.
- Standing charges are fixed daily fees consumers pay regardless of usage; this bill enables regulatory oversight of those amounts.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and has now lapsed; no legislative changes were enacted.
Local Government and Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (Carrigaline Rent Pressure Zone) Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
- Designates entire Carrigaline local electoral area as a rent pressure zone, restricting annual rent increases to 4% or inflation rate, whichever is lower.
- Requires that if a substantial portion of any local electoral area becomes a rent pressure zone, the entire area must be designated as one.
- Amends Local Government Act 2019 and Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to implement these changes. Bill lapsed without becoming law.
Local Government (Maternity and Family Leave for Elected Members) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Holly Cairns
- Lets elected local authority members take maternity, adoptive, parental, or force majeure leave, following similar rules as council staff.
- Amends rules on deemed resignation for non-attendance to account for approved leave periods.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; status indicates it did not progress through the Oireachtas.
North-South Interconnector Review Group Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Creates a review group to examine the route of the North-South Interconnector electricity project between Ireland and Northern Ireland.
- Review group will assess placement of high voltage power cables and report findings to the Minister for Environment, Climate and Communications.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no information available on specific terms of reference, timeline, or composition of review group.
Dáil (All-Ireland Representation) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Allows MPs elected in Northern Ireland to sit, speak, and ask questions in the Irish parliament (Dáil).
- Applies to Members of the British Parliament representing any Northern Ireland constituency.
- Bill did not proceed beyond first stage in Dáil and lapsed without becoming law.
Electricity Regulation (Amendment) (Prohibition of Winter Disconnections) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Réada Cronin
- Amends 1999 Electricity Act to let Minister direct the utilities regulator on policy matters.
- Bans cutting off gas and electricity to households during fuel allowance season for unpaid bills.
- Minister can extend disconnection ban to other periods deemed necessary; bill lapsed before enactment.
Road Traffic (Amendment) (Electric Scooter Trials) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed John Lahart
- Permits time-limited trials of rental electric scooters through approved schemes, with Minister for Transport setting regulations during trial periods.
- Allows testing of e-scooter rental systems under controlled conditions to gather evidence on safety and public impact.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to become law.
Road Traffic (Amendment) (Personal Light Electric Vehicles) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Alan Farrell
- Creates rules for personal light electric vehicles like e-scooters and e-bikes on Irish roads.
- Amends Road Traffic Act 1961 to add these vehicles to traffic law; consequential changes to related laws.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; not enacted into law.
Statistics (Decade of Centenaries) Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Amends Statistics Act 1993 to give Ireland's first post-independence census special heritage status for public access.
- Releases census data for historical, genealogical, and research purposes as part of Decade of Centenaries commemorations.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not become law.
Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Remote Parliamentary Voting) Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Jennifer Carroll MacNeill
- Proposes constitutional amendment to allow members of parliament to vote remotely instead of physically attending.
- Would change voting procedures to permit virtual participation during parliamentary sessions and divisions.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; requires fresh proposal to proceed through legislative process again.
Working from Home (Covid-19) Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Seán Sherlock
- Employees working remotely gain right to disconnect from work emails/calls outside working hours.
- Temporarily suspends certain workplace safety rules for home workers during emergency periods, with conditions.
- Bill lapsed; did not become law. Sought to balance remote work flexibility with employee protection.
Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Right to a Home) Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Eoin Ó Broin
- Proposed constitutional amendment to establish a legal right to adequate housing for all Irish residents.
- Would require the state to work toward providing homes and preventing homelessness through legislation and policy.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage; lapsed without becoming law.
Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Right to Housing) Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Richard Boyd Barrett
- Proposed amending Ireland's Constitution to recognize housing as a fundamental right for all citizens.
- Would have required the State to ensure access to adequate housing as a constitutional protection.
- Bill lapsed without passing Second Stage; did not become law.
Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Presidential Elections) Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed
- This bill aimed to amend Ireland's Constitution, but lapsed without becoming law.
- Bill focused on presidential elections; specific constitutional changes not detailed in provided information.
- Status: Did not progress past First Stage in the legislative process.
Thirty-Seventh Amendment Of The Constitution (Economic, Social And Cultural Rights) Bill 2018
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Thomas Pringle
- Proposes constitutional amendment to add economic, social, and cultural rights protections to Ireland's Constitution.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; did not progress beyond Second Stage debate in Dáil Éireann.
- Specific rights covered and implementation mechanism not detailed in provided information.
Microgeneration Support Scheme Bill 2017
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Brian Stanley
- Requires electricity suppliers to offer a tariff to small-scale generators who feed excess power back to the grid.
- Aims to encourage growth in household and small-scale renewable electricity production through guaranteed payment for exported power.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; no information available on specific tariff rates, supplier obligations scope, or implementation timeline.
Electoral (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2014
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Éamon Ó Cuív
- Amends three election laws to change how voting works across the island of Ireland.
- Modifies Electoral Act 1992, Referendum Act 1994, and Presidential Elections Act 1993 with related provisions.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; no information available on specific voting changes proposed.
Seanad Electoral (University Members) (Amendment) Bill 2024
4 Nov 2024 Enacted
- Regulates elections of Seanad members by universities and higher education institutions, covering general and bye-elections.
- Amends the 1937 Act to define who can vote and how vacancies in the Higher Education constituency are filled.
- Allows replacement candidates lists to fill Seanad vacancies when elected members leave office.
Maternity Protection, Employment Equality and Preservation of Certain Records Bill 2024
4 Nov 2024 Enacted
- Amends Maternity Protection Act 1994 and Employment Equality Act 1998 to extend maternity protections; allows Oireachtas members to take maternity leave.
- Modifies Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 regarding maternity-related benefits and entitlements for affected workers.
- Requires preservation of specific records from certain institutions and bodies for public interest purposes; details of affected institutions not specified in long title.
Development (Emergency Electricity Generation) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Allows emergency electricity generation projects to bypass normal planning permission requirements under the Planning and Development Act 2000.
- Exempts these projects from standard environmental impact assessments, but requires alternative assessment methods for environmental and nature conservation reviews.
- Applies only during exceptional circumstances affecting electricity supply security, including the Ukraine situation.
Communications (Retention of Data) (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends 2011 law requiring phone/internet providers to retain customer data (calls, messages, location) for law enforcement access.
- Sets conditions for when providers must keep data and when authorities can request it; details disclosure rules.
- Specifies which data types providers retain, how long, and safeguards for privacy and data security.
EirGrid, Electricity and Turf (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Allows CRU to direct emergency measures protecting electricity supply; EirGrid can buy power plants with government funding and higher borrowing limits.
- EirGrid can make agreements with electricity generators and receive financial support from the Environment Minister for acquiring generation equipment.
- Amends 1999 Electricity Act to pass certain public service obligation benefits to customers; increases Bord na Móna's borrowing under 1998 Turf Act.
Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends 2015 law on assisted decision-making for people with disabilities to better align with UN Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities.
- Updates jury eligibility, voting rights, and disability authority functions to remove barriers for people with disabilities in civic participation.
- Modifies human rights, freedom of information, and disability laws to strengthen protections and ensure compliance with disability rights convention.
Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates a new Judicial Appointments Commission to recommend judges for appointment based on merit and transparent selection procedures, replacing the previous Advisory Board.
- Amends qualification and eligibility requirements for judicial office and requires the Commission to publish its selection criteria and required knowledge and skills.
- Dissolves the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board and modifies related acts including the Courts of Justice Act 1936, Courts Act 1973, and Judicial Council Act 2019.
Electoral Reform Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates Electoral Commission to manage voter registration, oversee elections, review constituencies, and regulate online political advertising during campaigns.
- Modernizes voter registration through continuous individual application, data sharing between authorities, pending lists for 16-17 year-olds, and anonymous registration in limited cases.
- Amends Electoral Act 1997 to increase political party donation transparency, requires consolidated annual accounts, permits fundraising lotteries, and enables pandemic/island polling.
Circular Economy and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates circular economy strategy, fund, and EPA programme. Bans certain single-use items and levies others to reduce waste.
- Requires segregated waste bins and pay-as-you-throw charging for businesses. Introduces food waste prevention strategy and reuse/repair targets.
- Restricts new coal, lignite, and oil shale licences. Gives EPA oversight of planning-linked licence applications under environmental law.
Thirty-Ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Neutrality) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 First Stage Defeated Bríd Smith
- Proposed constitutional amendment to modify Ireland's neutrality provisions in the Constitution.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage; was defeated and did not become law.
- Specific constitutional changes intended are not detailed in provided long title; full text needed for exact scope.
Houses of the Oireachtas Commission (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission Act 2003, which oversees Parliament's administration and operations.
- Specific changes to the 2003 Act not detailed in provided information; status shows it was enacted into law.
- Related matters addressed in amendment not specified in available documentation.
Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Changes how sex offenders notify authorities; allows gardaí to take fingerprints, palm prints, and photos in certain cases.
- Enables electronic monitoring of certain offenders and allows courts to ban them from working with children and vulnerable persons.
- Permits disclosure and publication of offender information for risk assessment; allows retention of biometric data under Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Sale of Tickets (Cultural, Entertainment, Recreational and Sporting Events) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Bans reselling tickets above original price for major cultural, entertainment, sporting, and recreational events in designated venues.
- Requires primary and secondary ticket sellers to provide specific information; voids contract terms preventing resale at or below original price.
- Restricts UEFA EURO 2020 ticket resale to authorized sellers only; implements EU e-commerce rules for ticket sales.
Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (The Family) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Referendum Rejected
- Proposed to amend Ireland's Constitution regarding family law and recognition of family structures.
- Rejected by voters in a referendum; did not pass the required approval threshold.
- Specific constitutional changes proposed are not detailed in the provided long title information.
Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution (Care) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Referendum Rejected
- Proposed constitutional amendment to add a right to care provision into Ireland's Constitution.
- Failed at referendum stage; voters rejected the proposed constitutional change in 2023.
- Specific details of the care right's scope unavailable from title alone; referendum outcome final.
Electoral Reform (Amendment) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 First Stage Withdrawn Lynn Ruane
- Amends Electoral Reform Act 2022 to require An Coimisiún Toghcháin to review Seanad electoral system, franchise rules, and voting age requirements.
- Amends Electoral Act 1997 to protect civil society organisations' freedom of association and expression, and provide free public transport on polling day.
- Bill withdrawn at First Stage; specific review timelines, franchise proposals, and transport implementation details not available from long title alone.
Civil Registration (Electronic Registration) Bill 2024
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Allows births and deaths to be registered online instead of only in person, streamlining the registration process.
- Creates a formal record of stillbirths and enables death certificates to include corroborated details in certain circumstances.
- Updates related social welfare and civil registration laws to support the new online registration system.
Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Changes the number of Dáil members and redraws constituency boundaries to reflect population shifts since 2017.
- Repeals the 2017 Electoral Amendment Act on constituencies, replacing it with new constituency arrangements.
- Specifies how many representatives each Dáil constituency will elect under the revised system.
Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Caps electricity market revenues from certain sources (Dec 2022–June 2023) under EU emergency rules on high energy prices.
- Producers, intermediaries, and traders must pay revenues exceeding the cap to a collection agent; amounts calculated under specified rules.
- Revenue collected goes into a fund for disbursement schemes; government appoints collection agent and enforces compliance obligations.
Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Creates an elected mayor position for Limerick City and County Council with specific powers and governance responsibilities.
- Allows other councils to hold public votes on creating mayor positions, requiring electoral law amendments to enable the elections.
- Expands affordable housing eligibility, requires consulting the Public Appointments Service on local government job qualifications, and repeals prior mayoral provisions.
Courts Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Increases number of judges across Court of Appeal, High Court, Circuit Court, and District Court to handle more cases.
- Amends three court laws (1961 and 1995 acts) to allow these additional judicial appointments and related administration.
- Adds judges to reduce backlogs and improve case processing across Ireland's four main court levels.
Environmental Protection Agency (Emergency Electricity Generation) (Amendment) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Amends EPA Act 1992 to allow alternative environmental assessment process for emergency electricity generation projects instead of standard Part IV licensing assessment.
- Requires Minister to coordinate alternative assessment with habitat protection assessment under EU nature conservation rules; public must access assessment information.
- Implements EU environmental assessment directive flexibility for emergency electricity projects designated under 2022 emergency generation law.
Official Languages (Amendment) Bill 2019
14 Jan 2022 Enacted
- Amends the 2003 Official Languages Act to extend language rights and duties for Irish and English in public services.
- Modifies the 1976 Juries Act regarding language use in jury proceedings; specific changes not detailed in provided information.
- Introduces related provisions to support official language protections; exact scope and implementation details not specified in bill title.
Thirty-fourth Amendment of the Constitution (Inclusive Budget Reform) Bill 2014
9 Jun 2021 First Stage Defeated Pearse Doherty
- Proposed constitutional amendment to reform Ireland's budget process, sponsored by Pearse Doherty in 2014.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage; defeated and did not become law.
- Specific constitutional changes intended are not detailed in the available title information provided.
Ministers and Ministers of State (Successors) Bill 2020
4 Nov 2020 First Stage Defeated Peadar Tóibín
- Ensures quick appointment of new Ministers after general elections when sitting Ministers lose Oireachtas seats.
- Applies to both Ministers and Ministers of State positions left vacant by electoral defeat.
- Bill defeated at First Stage; no law enacted from this proposal.
Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2017
20 Apr 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Paul Gavan
- Changes Údarás na Gaeltachta governance from appointment to democratic elections for board members.
- Enables citizens in Gaeltacht regions to directly elect representatives to the organisation's decision-making body.
- Bill lapsed during legislative process; status and scope of final provisions unknown.
Seanad Bill 2016
20 Apr 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Alice-Mary Higgins
- Creates a Seanad Electoral Commission to oversee Senate elections and reform implementation.
- Enacts reforms recommended by the Working Group on Seanad Reform to change how the Senate operates.
- Bill lapsed before completion; specific reforms not identified in available legislative text.
Charities (Human Rights) Bill 2018
20 Apr 2020 First Stage Lapsed Paul Gavan
- Adds 'advancement of human rights' as a recognised charitable purpose under the Charities Act 2009.
- Removes 'advancement of religion' from the list of recognised charitable purposes for charity registration.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to legislative debate or enactment.
National Anthem Bill 2019
20 Apr 2020 First Stage Lapsed Mark Daly
- Confirms 'Amhrán na bhFiann' ('The Soldier's Song') choral refrain as Ireland's official National Anthem, with or without lyrics.
- Creates an Irish Sign Language version of the National Anthem to ensure deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens can access it.
- Defines the Presidential Salute as the first 4 bars plus last 4 bars of the National Anthem's music.
Electoral (Amendment) (Voting Rights for Residents) Bill 2017
20 Apr 2020 First Stage Lapsed Máire Devine
- Amends Electoral Act 1992 to let adults legally resident in Ireland for five years vote in Dáil and European elections, regardless of citizenship.
- Extends voting rights to non-citizens meeting residency requirement; changes who can participate in Irish parliamentary and EU elections.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage introduction and has lapsed without becoming law.
Statistics (1926 Census Release) Bill 2017
20 Apr 2020 First Stage Lapsed Paul Gavan
- Amends the Statistics Act 1993 to give the 1926 census special heritage status and release it publicly for genealogy, history, and research.
- Makes the first post-independence Irish census accessible to citizens for personal and academic purposes without normal confidentiality restrictions.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no further legislative progress occurred.
Local Government Accountability Bill 2018
20 Apr 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Gerard P. Craughwell
- Requires local authority officials to provide faster, more complete written replies to questions from local elected representatives.
- Sets standards for response times and quality of answers from council staff to councillor inquiries.
- Bill did not progress beyond Second Stage debate; no longer active in the legislative process.
Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2016
19 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Gerry Adams
- Amends Electoral Acts 1992–2015 to require all polling stations be wheelchair accessible.
- Ensures disabled voters can physically enter and use polling stations without barriers.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and lapsed without becoming law.
Declaration of Independence Day Bill 2017
19 Feb 2020 Fifth Stage Lapsed Paul Daly
- Creates an annual 'Declaration of Independence Day' on 21 January to commemorate the First Dáil meeting and 1919 Declaration of Independence.
- Bill lapsed and did not become law. Practical effect on current law: none.
- Sponsor: Paul Daly. Status: Fifth Stage. Details of related provisions not specified in available information.
Public Health (Electronic Cigarettes and Herbal Cigarettes) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Alan Farrell
- Bans selling electronic or herbal cigarettes to under-18s with criminal penalties for violations.
- Creates enforcement framework with authorised officers to investigate and prosecute breaches.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to law.
Road Traffic (Amendment) (Use of Electric Scooters) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Marc MacSharry
- Amends Road Traffic Act 1961 to set rules for electric scooters on Irish roads and streets.
- Expands bicycle definition to include e-bikes and permits their use on Irish roads.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; never became law.
Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Right to Housing) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Thomas P. Broughan
- Proposes adding a constitutional right to housing, requiring the state to ensure adequate housing for all citizens.
- Would amend the Irish Constitution; specific housing standards or implementation mechanisms not detailed in provided information.
- Bill lapsed without progressing past First Stage; did not become law.
Road Traffic (Bus and Cycle Lane) (Amendment) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Robert Troy
- Amends Road Traffic Act 2010 to allow digital camera footage from traffic safety cameras as evidence of illegal bus lane or cycle track use.
- Enables enforcement of bus lane and cycle track violations using electronic recordings instead of requiring officer observations at the time.
- Bill lapsed; did not complete parliamentary progression. No law currently enacted from this proposal.
Freedom Of Information (Oversight of the Office of the President) (Amendment) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed David Cullinane
- Amends Freedom of Information Act 2014 to make the Office of the President subject to FOI requests.
- Allows citizens to request documents held by the President's office, currently exempt from FOI laws.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and lapsed; practical effect never implemented.
Maternity Protection (Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Anne Rabbitte
- Provides maternity leave entitlements for female members of the Irish Parliament (Dáil and Seanad).
- Allows female TDs and senators to take leave during pregnancy and after childbirth without losing their seat.
- Bill lapsed before completion; did not become law. Specific leave duration and conditions were not finalised.
Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Separation of Church and State) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Ruth Coppinger
- Proposed constitutional amendment to separate church and state in Ireland's governance structures.
- Bill lapsed without progressing beyond First Stage; no further legislative action occurred.
- Specific amendment text or practical effects not detailed in available information.
Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Blasphemy) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Catherine Murphy
- Proposes to remove the constitutional offence of blasphemy, which currently prohibits insulting religion.
- Would delete Article 40.6.1(i) from the Constitution that defines and protects against blasphemous utterances.
- Required public referendum to pass; bill lapsed without progressing beyond initial parliamentary stage.
Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Protection of Pension Property Rights) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Willie O'Dea
- Proposes constitutional amendment to protect pension property rights from legislative changes.
- Bill lapsed before progressing beyond First Stage; status unclear on specific pension protections intended.
- Sponsored by Willie O'Dea; detailed scope and practical effect not available from provided information.
Local Government (Amendment) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Eugene Murphy
- Amends Local Government Act 1991 to require voter approval before changing a community's county status.
- Gives electorate explicit consent power over county boundary or administrative status changes affecting their area.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress through parliament.
Electoral (Extension of Voting Rights to Non-Irish Citizens) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Ruth Coppinger
- Allows all adults living in Ireland to vote in Dáil and European Parliament elections, regardless of citizenship.
- Changes voting eligibility from Irish/EU citizens only to any adult ordinary resident, expanding the electorate.
- Bill was introduced but did not progress beyond First Stage and has since lapsed without becoming law.
Electricity (Supply) (Amendment) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Anne Rabbitte
- Removes restrictions on ESB's power to manage water levels on three Shannon lakes: Lough Derg, Lough Ree, Lough Allen.
- Amends the 1934 Electricity Act to expand ESB's authority for lake-level works and related matters.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no legislative progress beyond initial introduction.
Local Government Reform (Amendment) (Directly Elected Mayor of Dublin) Bill 2016
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed John Lahart
- Allows Dublin residents to vote on whether to directly elect a mayor instead of the current council-appointed system.
- Establishes process for holding a public referendum on direct mayoral election and related governance changes.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; did not progress beyond parliamentary Second Stage debate.
Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Public Ownership of Certain Assets) Bill 2016
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Willie Penrose
- Proposed constitutional amendment to enable public ownership of certain assets; specific assets not detailed in provided information.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and lapsed, so no constitutional change occurred.
- Sponsored by Willie Penrose in 2016; full scope of 'certain assets' unclear from available details.
Thirty-fifth Amendment of the Constitution (Common Ownership of Water Resources) Bill 2016
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Eamon Ryan
- Proposed constitutional amendment to establish common ownership of water resources in Ireland.
- Bill lapsed without progression; did not advance beyond First Stage in Dáil.
- Specific amendment text and practical effects not provided in available documentation.
Disability (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2016
6 Feb 2020 Committee Stage Lapsed
- Implements the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities into Irish law across multiple areas.
- Amends jury eligibility, voting rights, equality protections, and disability authority powers to strengthen disability inclusion.
- Updates capacity and decision-making laws; bill did not complete the legislative process.