Foreign Affairs & EU
Bills affecting international relations, treaties, foreign aid and Ireland's place in the EU.
35 bills tracked under this topic.
Sanctions against the State of Israel Bill 2025
21 May 2026 First Stage Defeated Paul Murphy
- Bill proposes economic sanctions against Israel to prevent genocide and apartheid crimes under international law.
- Would establish a sanctions mechanism, though specific measures, triggers, and enforcement details are not yet defined.
- Currently at Second Stage; practical implementation framework and scope of sanctions remain to be debated.
Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025
21 May 2026 Committee Stage Current
- Amends the Arbitration Act 2010 to allow Ireland to enforce international investment protection agreements through arbitration proceedings.
- Enables Irish courts to recognize and implement arbitration decisions made under these international investment treaties.
- Implements treaty obligations related to investor protection, likely aligning Ireland with bilateral or multilateral investment agreements.
International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026
20 May 2026 Report Stage Current
- Allows Irish gardaí, soldiers, civil servants, and former ministers to give evidence to the UK's Omagh Bombing Inquiry.
- Amends the 2019 International Co-operation Act to enable this evidence-sharing for the inquiry into the 1998 bombing.
- Permits testimony from current and former state officials to assist UK investigation into the Omagh attack.
Antarctic Treaty (Accension and Implementation) Bill 2026
20 Mar 2026 Second Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Ireland will join the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and related agreements, including environmental protections added in 1991.
- The bill enables Ireland to become a member state with rights and responsibilities under these international Antarctic agreements.
- Legislation will be introduced to implement Ireland's obligations under the Antarctic Treaty system in Irish law.
Repeal of Exempted Development Regulations Bill 2026
27 Feb 2026 Second Stage Current Eoin Ó Broin
- Removes two regulations (2022 and 2023) that exempted certain developments from planning permission for temporary accommodation for asylum seekers and people with temporary protection status.
- Practical effect: Developments for such accommodation will now require standard planning permission instead of being automatically exempted from the planning process.
- Bill is at Second Stage; specific details on which accommodation types are affected or transition arrangements are not provided in the long title.
Criminal Law and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026
29 Jan 2026 Second Stage Current
- Expands prison officers' powers: allows use of incapacitant spray (subject to Firearms Act 1925 rules); updates Prisons Act 2007 accordingly.
- Criminal justice changes: faster extradition via provisional arrest without warrant; DNA profile rules updated; accommodation-for-sex offences added; anti-social behaviour orders strengthened.
- Courts and licensing: Chief Justice non-judicial functions clarified; outdoor seating areas of pubs can now be licensed; community service orders amended.
Seán Lemass Dublin International Airport Bill 2025
27 Nov 2025 Second Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Dublin Airport will be officially renamed Seán Lemass Dublin International Airport.
- The bill allows for related administrative changes needed to implement the name change.
- Bill is currently at Second Stage; specific operational or structural changes not yet detailed.
Broadcasting (All Ireland Service) (Amendment) Bill 2025
25 Jun 2025 Second Stage Current Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Amends Broadcasting Act 2009 to require national public broadcasters and Coimisiún na Meán to actively work towards equal access to services across the island of Ireland.
- Creates a duty for broadcasters to proactively ensure their services reach all communities throughout Ireland, North and South.
- Currently at Second Stage; specific implementation methods, timelines, and enforcement mechanisms not yet detailed in available bill information.
International Protection (Family Reunification) (Amendment) Bill 2017
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Frances Black
- Refugees and people with subsidiary protection can apply to bring qualifying family members to Ireland, including parents, siblings, children, and grandparents.
- Expands family reunification to include wards and guardians alongside traditional relations, widening who counts as eligible family.
- Bill currently in committee stage; establishes legal framework for processing these family reunification applications.
Control of Economic Activity (Occupied Territories) Bill 2018
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Colette Kelleher
- Makes it illegal to import, sell, or provide goods/services from occupied territories, or extract resources there, under specific circumstances.
- Implements Ireland's obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention on protecting civilians during wartime and international humanitarian law.
- Bill currently at Committee Stage; creates criminal offences with related enforcement measures for violations.
National Minimum Wage (Adequate Wages for Living) Bill 2024
5 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Alice-Mary Higgins
- Amends the 2000 National Minimum Wage Act to implement an EU directive on adequate minimum wages across member states.
- Directive 2022/2041 sets standards for minimum wage levels; bill transposes these requirements into Irish law.
- Bill is at Second Stage; specific wage rates and implementation timeline not provided in available information.
Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023
5 Feb 2025 Report Stage Current
- Creates a licensing authority to license construction workers doing specific activities and trainers providing construction training.
- Establishes a register of licensed workers, investigates complaints against licensees, and sets up an appeals committee for decisions.
- Designates the licensing authority as Ireland's competent authority under EU professional qualifications recognition rules.
Workplace Relations (Exemplary Damages, Unfair Dismissals and Other Provisions) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Mark Wall
- Allows Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court to award exemplary damages in certain workplace cases.
- Makes non-disclosure agreements unenforceable against employees who didn't get independent legal advice before signing.
- Updates unfair dismissal laws to match EU rules on transparent, predictable working conditions for employees.
Family Courts Bill 2022
18 Nov 2024 Enacted
- Creates three specialized family court divisions within existing High, Circuit, and District Courts to handle family law cases separately from other matters.
- Reallocates family law jurisdiction between courts and assigns judges to family divisions; updates rules for conducting family proceedings.
- Amends 40+ family law and court acts to support the new structure, including changes to maintenance, guardianship, adoption, domestic violence, and child protection laws.
Restriction of Imports (States in violation of obligations under the Genocide Convention and Occupied Territories) Bill 2024
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Catherine Connolly
- Creates criminal offence for importing or selling goods/services from states violating Genocide Convention or from occupied territories in certain circumstances.
- Aims to fulfil Ireland's international obligations under Genocide Convention, Fourth Geneva Convention, and customary humanitarian law.
- Prohibits extracting resources from occupied territories in specified circumstances; bill lapsed at First Stage without becoming law.
Human Tissue (Transplantation, Post-Mortem, Anatomical Examination and Public Display) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Allows organ and tissue donation from living and deceased persons for transplantation. Establishes a register for people to opt out of donating certain organs after death.
- Permits living persons to donate their bodies for anatomical examination or public display after death. Requires licenses for those conducting such activities. Consent mandatory for all procedures.
- Regulates hospital post-mortems and creates oversight panels for certain donations. Repeals 1832 Anatomy Act and updates related medical and coroner laws.
Employment Permits Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates employment permit system for foreign workers. Replaces 2003 and 2006 permit laws with updated rules and enforcement powers.
- Prohibits employing foreign nationals without valid permits. Minister sets conditions via regulations. Breaches face penalties.
- Allows foreign workers to seek compensation in court for unpaid work. Repeals previous employment permit legislation.
Communications Regulation and Digital Hub Development Agency (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Implements EU Electronic Communications Code directive: network providers must manage security risks; high-risk component suppliers face restrictions.
- Adds consumer protections, complaint resolution processes, and interim breach measures for electronic communications services.
- Establishes administrative penalties for breaches; amends 2002 Communications Act, 2003 Digital Hub Act, and 1983 Postal Act; funds post office network.
Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Allows certain asylum seekers to work, receive childcare payments, and have driving licences recognised; amends immigration and road traffic laws accordingly.
- Provides payments to people offering accommodation to asylum seekers; establishes scheme supporting road haulage operators.
- Enables data collection from arriving persons for immigration processing; creates special jury provisions for Stardust nightclub inquest inquiries.
Bretton Woods Agreements (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Ireland agrees to lend money to the International Monetary Fund through a credit arrangement called New Arrangements to Borrow (NAB).
- The Finance Minister guarantees the Central Bank will be reimbursed if the IMF calls on Ireland's pledged funds under NAB.
- Updates two 1957 and 1999 laws to allow Finance Minister payments to IMF trust funds for poverty relief and disaster assistance.
European Arrest Warrant (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Updates Irish law to implement EU rules on European arrest warrants, strengthening procedural rights for accused persons.
- Amends the 2003 European Arrest Warrant Act to align with 2009 EU framework changes on mutual recognition of court decisions.
- Enhances protections for people tried in absentia across EU member states and streamlines surrender procedures between nations.
Regulation of Providers of Building Works and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates Construction Industry Register Ireland to register building work providers; sets competence standards and investigates complaints against them.
- Amends Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act: rental income from principal residence tenancies assessed at lower rate; rate can be reduced or disregarded.
- Amends Residential Tenancies Act: increases notice period for certain tenancy terminations; requires landlords notify the Board; facilitates reletting offers.
Health (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Temporarily reintroduces mandatory quarantine for people entering Ireland from Covid-19 high-risk areas, as designated by the Minister.
- Requires quarantine for arrivals who fail Covid-19 testing requirements. Allows alternatives for asylum seekers and unaccompanied children.
- Gives Government power to designate quarantine facilities, arrange transport, and make service agreements to manage quarantine operations.
Finance (European Stability Mechanism and Single Resolution Fund) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Approves Ireland's participation in updated European Stability Mechanism and Single Resolution Fund agreements signed in early 2021.
- Amends three existing finance acts to align Irish law with new EU financial stability and bank resolution arrangements.
- Enables Ireland to contribute to eurozone crisis management and banking sector stability mechanisms as agreed internationally.
Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Custodial Sentences) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Allows Ireland to enforce custodial sentences imposed by other EU member states, and lets other EU states enforce Irish sentences.
- Amends the European Arrest Warrant Act 2003 and related laws to enable cross-border enforcement of prison sentences within the EU.
- Strengthens procedural rights for people affected by sentences imposed in their absence across EU member states.
Planning and Development, Heritage and Broadcasting (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends planning laws to allow heritage work in certain functions without standard planning permission requirements.
- Updates wildlife protection rules under 1976 and 2000 Acts and EU bird/habitat regulations for consistency.
- Modifies Broadcasting Act 2009 rules; specific changes not detailed in title alone.
Employment Permits (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 First Stage Defeated Paul Murphy
- Amends employment permit laws to strengthen protections for foreign nationals working in Ireland.
- Updates four acts: 2003 and 2006 Employment Permits Acts, 1984 Insolvency Act, and 2017 Regulations.
- Bill defeated at First Stage; specific protections proposed are not publicly detailed in available legislative records.
Health (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends Health Act 1947 to strengthen enforcement of Covid-19 regulations, including power to make rules about disease control measures.
- Requires people entering Ireland from high-risk Covid-19 areas to quarantine in designated facilities; Minister can designate which areas apply.
- Provides exemptions: asylum seekers and unaccompanied children can use alternatives to quarantine facilities; authorities can transport people to quarantine locations.
Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Child maintenance payments no longer counted when calculating social welfare benefits. Liable relatives rules removed.
- Non-Irish residents granted permission under International Protection Act 2015 gain clearer welfare eligibility. Two acts amended for consistency.
- Updates social welfare means-testing rules and residency provisions for international protection beneficiaries.
Finance (State Guarantees, International Financial Institution Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Allows Ireland to join donor funds run by European Investment Bank, Council of Europe Development Bank, and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development through contribution agreements.
- Enables Ireland to guarantee and contribute to EU emergency financial aid for Ukraine under two 2022 EU decisions and regulations.
- Updates laws from 1991 and 2004 governing these banks, and amends anti-money laundering rules in the 2010 Criminal Justice Act.
Historic and Archaeological Heritage and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Replaces 1930–2014 National Monuments Acts with new protections for historic and archaeological heritage, including environmental impact assessment requirements for monument works.
- Implements the Valletta Convention and EU Directives (EIA and Habitats) to regulate activities affecting monuments and their surroundings.
- Updates seven separate Acts including Planning and Development, Foreshore, and Maritime Area Planning, with miscellaneous amendments to align heritage protection laws.
Criminal Justice (Mutual Recognition of Decisions on Supervision Measures) Bill 2019
17 Feb 2023 Enacted
- Allows EU Member States to recognize and enforce supervision measures (like probation) imposed by other EU countries as alternatives to holding suspects in jail.
- Implements EU Framework Decision 2009/829/JHA into Irish law, enabling cross-border enforcement of non-custodial supervision orders.
- Streamlines judicial cooperation by letting courts accept supervision decisions from other EU states without re-examination of the underlying case.
Air Navigation and Transport Bill 2020
13 Dec 2022 Enacted
- Creates Irish Air Navigation Service company to provide air navigation services for civil aviation, transferring relevant functions from the Irish Aviation Authority.
- Merges Irish Aviation Authority's aviation regulatory functions with Commission for Aviation Regulation into a single combined regulator.
- Dissolves Commission for Aviation Regulation; increases borrowing limits for daa and subsidiaries; gives Minister Transport power to review airport charge regulation.
Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2020
11 May 2021 Enacted
- Updates Irish law following UK's EU withdrawal: maintains Common Travel Area rights, protects economy, enables healthcare reimbursement for Northern Ireland residents.
- Adjusts extradition, refugee procedures, divorce recognition, defamation privilege, and construction product rules to function without UK-EU membership.
- Enacts exception allowing Ireland to reimburse eligible Northern Ireland residents' medical costs in EU states, honoring the Good Friday Agreement.
Affordable Housing and Fair Mortgage Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed John McGuinness
- Creates a national affordable housing exchange platform where not-for-profit housing providers get first refusal to buy mortgaged homes from struggling owners.
- Expands mortgage-to-rent schemes beyond local authorities, allowing voluntary and not-for-profit groups to help borrowers in arrears without public funding.
- Reconfigures Abhaile as a dedicated mortgage resolution agency aligned with EU law and human rights protections during housing emergencies.