Defence
Bills affecting the Defence Forces, military service, peacekeeping and reserve.
9 bills tracked under this topic.
International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026
28 May 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Allows Irish High Court judge to take oral evidence from Gardaí, Defence Forces members, civil servants, and former ministers for the UK's Omagh Bombing Inquiry.
- Permits survivors and family members (core participants) to attend evidence-taking sessions and hear witness testimony directly.
- Enables Inquiry to ask clarifying questions after judge's approved questions; evidence use restricted without consent of relevant Irish State body.
Defence (Restriction on Use of Certain Titles) Bill 2021
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Restricts use of 'Óglaigh na hÉireann' and 'Defence Forces' terms to official Irish Defence Forces only.
- Amends Defence Act 1954 to prevent other organisations using these protected titles in their names.
- Aims to protect Defence Forces branding and prevent confusion with non-official military-style groups.
Defence (Amendment) Bill 2024
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Establishes statutory External Oversight Body for Defence Forces to oversee and monitor human resources management and advise the Minister for Defence.
- Allows Minister for Defence to authorise Defence Forces representative associations to associate with Irish Congress of Trade Unions, with power to impose conditions.
- Makes miscellaneous technical amendments to Defence Act 1954: removes pay regulation requirements, clarifies drug testing authority, broadens prosecutor appointments, protects 'Óglaigh na hÉireann' term.
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Changes rape law: offence now occurs where man does not reasonably believe woman consents, replacing prior 'knowledge or recklessness' standard. Applies only to incidents after commencement.
- Protects sexual assault trial participants: anonymity extended to complainants and accused; public excluded from courtroom; verdicts need not be announced publicly; victims get separate legal representation.
- Establishes National Referral Mechanism for human trafficking: statutory process to identify victims; Operational Committee reviews applications; eligible persons protected from deportation; access to welfare and accommodation support.
Control of Exports Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Replaces 2008 exports law with new controls on exporting dual-use items (usable for civilian or military purposes) and military items; requires authorization and 60-day advance notice for exports, brokering, technical assistance, or transit of controlled goods.
- Establishes Minister as competent authority to grant export authorizations; creates appeals process through adjudicators and High Court for denied applications, with confidential hearings for sensitive national security information.
- Creates enforcement powers: authorized officers can inspect premises, request records, issue compliance notices, and seize items; establishes penalties up to forfeiture for breaches; repeals Control of Exports Act 2008 and related regulations.
Civil Defence Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Replaces outdated civil defence laws (1939-1946 Acts and 2012 Act) with modern legislation establishing Minister for Defence oversight and local authority responsibilities.
- Requires each local authority to maintain electronic Register of Civil Defence Volunteers containing personal, training, vetting and medical data, with restricted access protections.
- Local authorities must establish dedicated civil defence units, employ civil defence officers, create three-yearly civil defence plans, and receive up to 70% grant funding from Minister.
Defence Forces (Evidence) Bill 2019
15 Jul 2022 Enacted
- Authorizes Military Police to take DNA samples from persons suspected of military offences for forensic testing and to establish a DNA (Military Police) Database System administered by Forensic Science Ireland.
- Permits DNA sampling from military personnel and volunteers for investigation purposes, with safeguards including consent requirements, rank-based authorizations, and provisions for sample destruction.
- Enables use of DNA evidence and forensic samples in military courts-martial proceedings, including against persons who have since left military service within six months of cessation.
Defence (Amendment) Bill 2020
12 Nov 2021 Enacted
- Allows Minister for Defence to delegate operational control of Defence Forces contingents in international missions to foreign Force Commanders, with written conditions and safeguards.
- Removes legal references to enlisting minors under 18 and repeals discharge provisions for underage soldiers, aligning law with child protection obligations.
- Enables re-enlistment of qualified former Defence Forces members for specific skilled positions without standard service requirements.
Defence (Veterans Lapel Badge) Bill 2017
20 Apr 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Victor Boyhan
- Creates a lapel badge to honor former members of Irish Army, Air Corps, Naval Service, and Reserve Defence Forces.
- Badge recognizes service but bill lapsed in 2017—not enacted into law.
- Sponsor Victor Boyhan proposed this; practical details on eligibility and design not specified in long title.