Health
Bills affecting the health service, hospitals, medicines, mental health and patient rights.
154 bills tracked under this topic.
Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025
21 May 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Creates registration and inspection scheme for home support providers serving older people and people with disabilities.
- Amends Health Act 2007 to establish regulatory framework for these private dwelling support services.
- Currently in Committee Stage—specific registration requirements, inspection frequency, and enforcement details not yet finalized.
Mental Health Bill 2024
13 May 2026 Enacted
- Replaces 2001 Mental Health Act. Sets rules for admitting adults and children to mental health centres, including involuntary admission criteria and review boards.
- Requires consent for treatment except in limited cases. Establishes Mental Health Commission oversight and registers acute mental health centres, community centres, and services.
- Adults can be admitted voluntarily; children need parental consent or court order. Restricts use of physical restraint practices in specific circumstances only.
Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026
16 Apr 2026 First Stage Current
- Regulates packaging, appearance, and flavour names of nicotine inhaling products and refill containers to standardise their presentation.
- Prohibits sale of nicotine consumption products to children and restricts signage, display, and advertising of these products.
- Adds enforcement measures and new offences to existing tobacco and nicotine laws; Minister can set flavour name rules by order.
Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill 2025
5 Mar 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Bans sale of single-use vapes containing non-tobacco substances designed for one-time use only.
- Creates enforcement measures and offences for suppliers who sell prohibited single-use vaping devices.
- Bill is at Fifth Stage (final parliamentary stage) as of current status.
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.
Education (Medical Emergencies in Schools) Bill 2026
12 Feb 2026 Second Stage Current Eoghan Kenny
- Minister can create regulations requiring more school staff to complete approved first aid training for medical emergencies.
- More schools can be authorized to have staff administer certain prescription-only medicines without prescription during medical emergencies.
- Bill enables emergency life-saving measures in schools; specific training requirements and eligible medicines set by future regulations.
Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Amendment) Bill 2026
30 Jan 2026 Second Stage Current Paul Murphy
- Removes the mandatory 3-day waiting period before someone can access abortion on request under current law.
- Amends the 2018 abortion regulation Act to streamline the process for obtaining termination of pregnancy.
- Currently at Second Stage in the legislative process; no changes to other eligibility criteria specified in bill text.
Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2025
20 Jan 2026 Enacted
- From 1 April 2026, sets new premium amounts paid from the Risk Equalisation Fund for certain insured person classes.
- Updates hospital utilisation credit amount and high cost claims percentage definitions effective 1 April 2026.
- Amends Schedule 1 of Health Insurance Act 1994 and makes related change to Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999.
Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Related Products Bill 2025
19 Jan 2026 Second Stage Current Mark Ward
- Sellers must get a licence to sell nitrous oxide to certain approved buyers.
- No one under 18 can buy nitrous oxide or products containing it.
- The law sets rules for who qualifies as an exempted purchaser eligible to buy.
Equal Status (Access to Toilet Facilities) Bill 2026
16 Jan 2026 Second Stage Current Mark Wall
- Customers with certain medical conditions can use staff toilets in retail shops when needed.
- Shops must provide access or face legal action for discrimination under equal status law.
- Bill specifies which conditions qualify and procedures for complaints; exact conditions not yet detailed in available text.
Health (Amendment) Bill 2025
1 Oct 2025 Committee Stage Current
- Amends Health Act 2004 to change how the Health Service Executive (HSE) is governed and held accountable.
- Gives Minister for Children, Disability and Equality new powers over HSE governance arrangements; both Health and this Minister consult jointly on decisions.
- Bill is currently at Committee Stage; specific governance changes and Minister powers not detailed in title alone.
Public Health (Alcohol) (Amendment) Bill 2025
26 Sep 2025 Second Stage Current Pádraig Rice
- Restricts advertising of alcohol-free and low-alcohol products that use branding, logos, or trademarks of alcoholic drink brands.
- Aims to prevent alcohol companies using non-alcoholic products to promote their alcoholic drink brands indirectly.
- Amends the Public Health (Alcohol) Act 2018; specific enforcement mechanisms and penalties not detailed in long title.
Health (Availability of General Practitioner Services) Bill 2025
4 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Marie Sherlock
- Bill aims to improve availability of GP services across Ireland by setting out new legal provisions for general practitioner medical and surgical care.
- Creates framework to address GP service gaps nationwide, though specific measures and enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in title alone.
- Currently at Second Stage in Dáil; specific provisions on funding, targets, or implementation timeline cannot be confirmed from title information.
Organisation of Working Time (Leave for Health Screening Purposes) Bill 2025
4 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Duncan Smith
- Employees get paid time off to attend health screening programmes approved under the scheme.
- Amends 1997 Working Time Act; adds unfair dismissal protection if fired for taking screening leave.
- Details of eligible screening programmes and leave entitlements not yet specified in bill text.
Health (Scoliosis Treatment Services) Bill 2024
3 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Gerard P. Craughwell
- HSE must establish specialized scoliosis treatment service for inpatient and outpatient care of children and adults in Ireland.
- Minister for Health given powers and duties to oversee the service establishment and related matters.
- Bill is at Second Stage; specific service details, funding, and timeline not yet evident from long title.
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.
Healthcare (Transparent Payments) Bill 2022
20 Jun 2025 Second Stage Current Darren O'Rourke
- Pharmaceutical companies and medical equipment suppliers must annually declare payments, gifts, donations, or transfers of value given to healthcare professionals or organizations.
- Applies to companies, their servants, and agents making or facilitating such transfers to healthcare workers or health institutions.
- Aims to increase transparency about financial relationships between industry and healthcare sector; currently at Second Stage debate.
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.
Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) (Amendment) Bill 2021
28 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Pádraig O'Sullivan
- Amends 2013 Act to set specific criteria for orphan medicines when HSE decides whether to add items to the Reimbursement List.
- Orphan medicines treat rare diseases affecting small patient populations; criteria will guide HSE funding decisions for these products.
- Bill is at Committee Stage; specific criteria details not yet finalised in public records provided.
Sale of Nitrous Oxide and Related Products Bill 2024
13 May 2025 First Stage Withdrawn Mark Ward
- Regulates nitrous oxide sales through a licensing system for approved buyers only.
- Bans selling nitrous oxide and related products to anyone under 18 years old.
- Bill withdrawn at First Stage; did not proceed to debate or voting.
Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2023
13 May 2025 First Stage Withdrawn Seán Crowe
- Prohibits selling nitrous oxide gas in reusable cylinders or disposable cartridges to anyone under 18 years old.
- Amends the Child Care Act 1991 to enforce this age restriction on nitrous oxide sales.
- Bill was withdrawn at First Stage; no further legislative progress occurred.
Public Health (Restriction on Sale of Stimulant Drinks to Children) Bill 2025
9 May 2025 Second Stage Current Sharon Keogan
- Bans selling stimulant drinks to under-18s and restricts advertising or promotion of these drinks to children.
- Requires health warning labels on stimulant drink packaging informing public of health risks from excessive consumption.
- Bill is at Second Stage; specific definitions of 'stimulant drinks' and enforcement mechanisms not yet detailed in available text.
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.
Health (Waiting Lists) Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current David Cullinane
- Gives Health Minister power to set maximum waiting time targets and priorities for health services across the system.
- Changes National Treatment Purchase Fund's reporting, governance, and accountability rules to strengthen oversight and transparency.
- Amends Health Act 2004 to create framework for managing waiting lists through new ministerial functions and performance targets.
Health (Amendment) (Professional Home Care) Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Colm Burke
- Creates a regulatory framework for professional home care workers, amending the Health Act 2007.
- Establishes requirements and standards for home care service providers and their staff.
- Bill is currently at Committee Stage, where proposed amendments are being debated.
Organisation of Working Time (Reproductive Health Related Leave) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Ivana Bacik
- Employees get paid leave following miscarriage or to access reproductive healthcare services.
- Amends 1997 Working Time Act; adds unfair dismissal protection for taking this leave.
- Prevents employers firing or penalizing staff for miscarriage-related absence or medical appointments.
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.
Autism Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
- Government must prepare and publish a national autism strategy outlining support and services for autistic people.
- Bill sets framework for coordinated autism policy across public services but does not specify funding or timelines.
- Currently in Committee Stage; specific provisions unknown as bill text not provided—unable to detail implementation details.
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.
Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Mark Ward
- This bill modifies the Mental Health Act 2001, but the specific amendments are not detailed in the provided information.
- The bill is currently at Committee Stage in the legislative process, meaning detailed provisions are being reviewed and debated.
- Specific impacts on mental health services, patient rights, or treatment procedures cannot be confirmed without access to the bill's actual text.
Litter Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Patrick Costello
- Amends the 1997 Litter Pollution Act to strengthen rules on litter and waste on public streets.
- Aims to improve public health and cleanliness in communities by reducing litter pollution.
- Currently at Second Stage of legislative process; specific amendments not yet detailed in available materials.
Protection of the Native Irish Honey Bee Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Vincent P. Martin
- Bans importing non-native honey bees to protect Ireland's native bee species from cross-breeding and genetic dilution.
- Makes forging animal health certificates a criminal offence; appoints authorised officers to enforce the import ban.
- Aims to preserve native Irish honey bee biodiversity and prevent ecosystem damage from non-native bee species.
Protection of Children’s Health (Idling of Mechanically Propelled Vehicles in Vicinity of Schools) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jennifer Whitmore
- Makes it an offence to leave a vehicle engine running near schools. Gardaí can enforce and issue fixed charges as alternative to court prosecution.
- Aims to reduce air pollution and exhaust fumes in school areas to protect children's health. Applies to mechanically propelled vehicles idling in vicinity of schools.
- Authorises traffic signs marking school zones and establishes fixed-charge penalty system. Specific enforcement scope and penalty amounts 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.
Children’s Health (Ospidéal Náisiúnta Kathleen Lynn do Leanaí) (Amendment) Bill 2025
30 Apr 2025 Second Stage Current Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Amends the Children's Health Act 2018 to officially name the National Children's Hospital 'Ospidéal Náisiúnta Kathleen Lynn do Leanaí' (Kathleen Lynn National Children's Hospital).
- Updates the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board (Establishment) Order 2007 to reflect the new hospital name in law.
- No changes to hospital operations, services, or governance — purely a naming change to honour Kathleen Lynn.
Criminal Law (Prohibition of the Disclosure of Counselling Records) Bill 2025
30 Apr 2025 Second Stage Current Ruth Coppinger
- Amends Criminal Evidence Act 1992 to ban disclosure of counselling records in sexual offence criminal trials.
- Aims to protect privacy and healthcare rights while maintaining criminal justice system function.
- Bill currently at Second Stage; specific exemptions, enforcement mechanisms, and scope details not yet available.
Health (Postponement of Certain Leave) Bill 2024
28 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Mary Fitzpatrick
- Amends maternity and adoptive leave laws to allow postponement if person is diagnosed with or undergoing cancer treatment.
- Creates mechanism for eligible parents to defer their leave entitlements during medical treatment, then take it later.
- Applies to Maternity Protection Act 1994 and Adoptive Leave Act 1995; specific postponement conditions and duration not detailed in long title.
First Aid and Mental Health in Schools (Existing Teachers) Bill 2018
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Robbie Gallagher
- Schools must train all existing staff in occupational first aid and mental health first aid.
- First aid and mental health training becomes mandatory continuing professional development for school staff.
- Government will approve and oversee first aid and mental health first aid courses.
First Aid and Mental Health in Schools (Initial Teacher Training) Bill 2018
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Robbie Gallagher
- Initial teacher training must now include occupational first aid response and mental health first aid instruction.
- Teachers-in-training will learn practical skills to handle accidents and recognize mental health difficulties in students.
- Bill currently under committee review; specific implementation details, timelines, and course requirements not yet finalized.
Free Provision of Period Products Bill 2021
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Lorraine Clifford-Lee
- Bill requires free provision of period products to people who need them, addressing period poverty.
- Practical effect: Eligible individuals can access menstrual products without cost through a statutory scheme.
- Currently in Committee Stage; specific implementation details, funding mechanism, and eligibility criteria not yet finalized.
Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2023
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Catherine Ardagh
- Creates an Advisory Committee to recommend who qualifies for government financial help with fertility treatments.
- Committee will advise on eligibility criteria for assisted human reproduction treatment funding assistance.
- Bill establishes governance structure for managing public funding decisions on fertility treatment access.
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.
Adult Safeguarding Bill 2017
5 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Marie-Louise O'Donnell
- Creates National Adult Safeguarding Authority to oversee protection of vulnerable adults from abuse or harm.
- Requires certain professionals to report concerns about at-risk adults to the new Authority in specified circumstances.
- Establishes framework for care and protection of adults vulnerable to abuse; currently in parliamentary committee review.
Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Amendment) Bill 2023
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Bríd Smith
- Allows abortion on request before foetus can survive outside womb, removing the current 3-day waiting period requirement.
- Expands abortion access for fatal foetal abnormalities likely causing death before or within one year of birth.
- Removes criminal penalties for providing abortion and maintains access where pregnancy risks woman's life or serious health harm.
Health (Amendment) (Dual Diagnosis: No Wrong Door) Bill 2021
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Mark Ward
- HSE must include dual diagnosis services in its yearly service plan submitted to the Minister for approval.
- Dual diagnosis means people with both mental health conditions and substance use disorders receive coordinated care.
- Bill lapsed at Second Stage; no longer progressing through Parliament as of last update.
Autism Spectrum Disorder Bill 2017
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Lapsed James Reilly
- Requires government to develop and implement a coordinated Autism Spectrum Disorder Strategy across all relevant departments and agencies.
- Bill lapsed in 2017 without becoming law. Did not specify funding, timelines, or measurable outcomes for the strategy.
- Would have mandated cross-departmental cooperation on ASD services, but practical impact and scope details are unclear from title alone.
Public Health (Antacid Products) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Róisín Garvey
- Requires warning notices displayed where antacid products are sold to consumers, excluding wholesale-only outlets.
- Creates offence of failing to display required notices at antacid product retail points.
- Establishes authorised officers to enforce notice requirements and related compliance matters.
Autism Action and Oversight Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Micheál Carrigy
- Creates a new body to monitor and advise on autism action plans and the Autism Innovation Strategy implementation.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; not yet passed into law or implemented.
- Specific powers, funding, composition, and timeline for the oversight body are not detailed in the long title provided.
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Formaldehyde) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Vincent P. Martin
- Amends 2005 Work Safety Act to require Health and Safety Authority publish guidance on safe formaldehyde use and disposal, focusing on embalming.
- Establishes formal code of practice for formaldehyde handling to protect workers from chemical exposure risks in embalming and related work.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to debate or enactment. No current legislative requirement for formaldehyde code exists.
Children’s Health (Kathleen Lynn National Children's Hospital) (Amendment) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Paul Gavan
- Amends the Children's Health Act 2018 to officially name the National Children's Hospital after Kathleen Lynn in Irish and English.
- Changes the National Paediatric Hospital Development Board order to reflect the new official hospital name across legal documents.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no further legislative progress occurred.
Civil Registration (Amendment) (Certificate of Life) Bill 2022
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Regina Doherty
- Creates a new 'Certificate of Life' register to recognize children who don't meet WHO stillbirth standards (under 500g or under 24 weeks gestation).
- Amends the Civil Registration Act 2004 to establish this as a non-statutory register outside existing birth/death registration.
- Allows recognition of early pregnancy losses that fall outside standard stillbirth definitions, providing families with official documentation.
Health Insurance (International Students) (Amendment) Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Malcolm Byrne
- Amends Health Insurance Act 1994 to redefine health insurance contracts, excluding international students not ordinarily resident in Ireland.
- Changes who can be covered by health insurance by creating a new definition that leaves out non-resident international students.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and is no longer active; specific implementation details are not available.
Student Nurses (Pay) Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Annie Hoey
- Bill aimed to address student nurses' pay through new legislation, but did not progress past second stage debate.
- Specific pay provisions or amounts not detailed in available information; bill's exact proposals unclear from title alone.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; no changes to student nurse compensation resulted from this legislation.
National Screening Advisory Committee Bill 2020
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Gerard P. Craughwell
- Creates National Screening Advisory Committee to advise government on health screening programmes operating in Ireland.
- Committee provides expert guidance on screening programme operation; bill does not specify enforcement powers or funding.
- Bill lapsed at Second Stage; establishes advisory body only, not independent regulator or decision-making authority.
Prohibition of Conversion Therapies Bill 2018
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Rose Conway-Walsh
- Bans conversion therapy—practices claiming to change sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.
- Treats conversion therapy as deceptive and harmful; establishes legal prohibition on this practice.
- Bill lapsed in parliament; did not become law. Current legal status of conversion therapy in Ireland unclear from this bill alone.
Public Health (Tobacco) (Amendment) Bill 2024
18 Nov 2024 Enacted
- Raises minimum age to buy tobacco products from 18 to 21 years old.
- Amends 2002 and 2023 tobacco laws to enforce the new age restriction.
- Applies to all retail sales of tobacco products in Ireland.
Health Insurance (Amendment) and Health (Provision of Menopause Products) Bill 2024
18 Nov 2024 Enacted
- State will supply certain menopause symptom products free to eligible women; Health Act 1970 and medical goods pricing law updated to enable this.
- Health insurance premiums adjusted from April 2025; Risk Equalisation Fund contribution amounts specified for certain insured person classes.
- High cost claim definition in health insurance law revised; stamp duty law amended for related matters.
Commission of Investigation (Nursing Homes) Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Catherine Connolly
- Sets up a public inquiry into how nursing homes managed Covid-19 risks to residents' health and safety.
- Allows investigation of decisions and actions taken by nursing home operators and relevant authorities during pandemic.
- Bill did not progress beyond initial parliamentary stage and is no longer active.
Personal Protective Equipment (Covid-19) Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Paul Murphy
- Amends workplace safety law to require employers provide FFP-2 or higher-grade masks to employees when needed during Covid-19, targeting education and healthcare workers.
- Mandates a review of this mask provision within 3 months of the Act coming into force to assess ongoing necessity.
- Bill lapsed without passage; status unknown regarding whether these protections were implemented through other means.
Education (Health, Relationships and Sex Education) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Gary Gannon
- Amends the Education Act 1998 to require schools to teach health, relationships, and sex education as part of the curriculum.
- Aims to provide students with evidence-based information on physical health, emotional wellbeing, and healthy relationships.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; specific curriculum requirements and implementation details not available from title alone.
Health (Inspection of Emergency Homeless Accommodation and Asylum Seekers Accommodation) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Eoin Ó Broin
- HIQA gains power to inspect emergency homeless accommodation that local authorities help fund under Housing Act 1988.
- HIQA gains power to inspect asylum seeker reception and accommodation centres covered by EU reception conditions rules.
- Amends Health Act 2007 to enable these inspections and grant HIQA enforcement authority over these facilities.
Safe Access to Termination of Pregnancy Services Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Fifth Stage Lapsed Paul Gavan
- Creates legal protections for facilities providing lawful abortion services and those who work there or use them.
- Prohibits harassment, intimidation, or obstruction of people accessing or providing termination of pregnancy services.
- Addresses connected matters to protect free and unencumbered access to legal abortion facilities.
Organisation of Working Time (Workers' Rights and Bogus Self-Employment) (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Louise O'Reilly
- Amends 1997 Act to ban disguising employment as self-employment to avoid worker protections.
- Extends working time rules to Gardaí, Defence Forces, trainee doctors, and some self-employed workers.
- Aims to prevent employers reducing worker rights by misclassifying employment status.
Maternity Care (Covid-19) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Mothers receiving maternity care can have a companion present during childbirth and before/after delivery in hospital.
- Addresses hospital visitation restrictions that arose during Covid-19 pandemic for maternity patients.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and lapsed without becoming law.
Workplace Ventilation (Covid-19) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Paul Murphy
- Amends workplace safety law to define adequate fresh air using CO2 levels as a Covid-19 prevention measure in workplaces.
- Gives health and safety inspectors power to measure CO2 and issue notices requiring improvements or stopping work if unsafe.
- Allows employees to request inspections of their workplace's ventilation and air quality standards.
Hospital Parking Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Patients attending outpatient appointments at public hospitals receive free parking.
- Applies to public hospital outpatient services only; inpatient or other visitor parking scope unclear.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not become law.
Health (Parliamentary Oversight of Certain Instruments Relating to Covid-19) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Pa Daly
- Amends Health Act 1947 to require parliament to oversee health regulations made under sections 31A and 31B by the Minister for Health.
- Gives parliament scrutiny powers over ministerial orders and regulations, particularly those related to Covid-19 emergency measures.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no parliamentary approval obtained. Practical effect: oversight requirements not implemented.
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.
Mental Health Parity of Esteem Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Mark Ward
- Aims to give mental health equal standing with physical health in law and healthcare policy.
- Seeks to improve mental health service provision and quality of care for service users.
- Bill did not progress beyond Second Stage debate before the Oireachtas term ended.
Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (Amendment) Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Louise O'Reilly
- Amends the 2005 Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act. Specific amendments and practical effects not detailed in title alone.
- Bill lapsed before completion, so these changes were not enacted into law.
- Further legislative details needed to explain what workplace safety rules were proposed to change.
Dying with Dignity Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Gino Kenny
- Allows qualifying persons to receive assistance achieving a dignified, peaceful end of life under defined legal conditions.
- Establishes criteria and safeguards for who can access this assistance and how it would be administered.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; did not progress beyond Second Stage parliamentary debate.
Health (Medical Entitlements in Nursing Homes) (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Imelda Munster
- Ensures nursing home residents keep their medical card benefits under the 1990 Health (Nursing Homes) Act.
- Addresses gaps or changes in how medical entitlements apply to people living in nursing homes.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no further information available on specific provisions or amendments.
Health Disclosure Bill 2016
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Denis Naughten
- Creates a procedure for healthcare providers to disclose patient safety incidents to affected patients.
- Aims to establish a formal process for reporting and communicating adverse events in healthcare settings.
- Bill did not complete the legislative process and is no longer active.
Vulnerable Persons Bill 2015
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Mattie McGrath
- Protects elderly and vulnerable people lacking mental or physical capacity from financial abuse by safeguarding their financial autonomy.
- Establishes reasonable grounds for intervention to prevent financial exploitation of vulnerable persons who cannot adequately manage their own finances.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; specific protections and enforcement mechanisms not detailed in available information.
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.
Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 First Stage Withdrawn Bríd Smith
- Allows abortion on request before foetus can survive outside womb, removing the current 3-day waiting period requirement.
- Expands grounds for abortion to include fatal abnormalities likely to cause death before or within one year of birth.
- Removes criminal penalties for providing abortion and maintains existing protections for pregnant women's life and serious health risks.
Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Changes how much money the Risk Equalisation Fund pays toward premiums for certain insurance groups from April 1, 2023.
- Expands powers of authorised officers who oversee health insurance, including their appointment and what they can do.
- Updates Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 as a result of these health insurance changes.
Mother and Baby Institutions Payment Scheme Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Establishes a payment scheme for people who were residents in certain mother and baby institutions in Ireland, recognizing their experiences there.
- Provides financial payments to eligible former residents and offers free health services to scheme participants without charge.
- Sets up an application process for eligible persons to claim payments and access available health services under the scheme.
Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends parental leave law to allow employees medical care leave and flexible working rights for caring responsibilities, implementing EU Directive 2019/1158.
- Updates employment laws including redundancy, dismissal, maternity, adoption, working time, minimum wage, and workplace relations acts with work-life balance provisions.
- Specific changes to each act not detailed in title; practical effects depend on amending regulations and statutory instruments not provided here.
Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends three healthcare laws: the 2005 Health and Social Care Professionals Act, the 2007 Medical Practitioners Act, and the 2020 Regulated Professions Amendment Act.
- Makes miscellaneous technical and administrative changes to how health and social care professionals are regulated in Ireland.
- Specific amendments and practical effects not detailed in available information; full bill text needed for detailed changes.
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends Health Act 1970 to exempt certain people from charges for acute hospital in-patient services.
- Specific exemption categories not detailed in title; establishes who avoids these hospital bed/treatment fees.
- Related provisions included but scope unclear; check enacted text for full exemption list and conditions.
Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Expands role of guardians ad litem (child advocates) appointed under child care law, giving them broader duties protecting children's interests in court.
- Allows Minister's officers to attend certain closed child welfare proceedings for specific purposes, improving information sharing in child protection cases.
- Updates five child protection laws and repeals parts of 2011 amendments to modernise vetting, safeguarding, and child welfare procedures across agencies.
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.
Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates regulatory authority (AHRRA) requiring licenses for fertility treatments, surrogacy services, and embryo research in Ireland.
- Regulates embryonic stem cell research and gives people born via assisted reproduction rights to access information about their origins.
- Establishes enforcement powers including license suspension, revocation, and financial penalties for non-compliance.
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Transfers certain health functions from Health Minister to Minister for Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth.
- Requires Health Minister and Children's Minister to consult and share responsibilities on specified health matters.
- Changes Health Service Executive's corporate governance and accountability rules; amends Disability Act 2005 and Health Act 2007.
Health and Criminal Justice (Covid-19) (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Extends emergency Covid-19 powers from four existing Acts for a further period, with possible extensions if needed.
- Maintains health protections and enforcement measures to manage Covid-19 spread and variants in the public interest.
- Allows government to continue emergency regulations while pandemic poses grave risk to life and public health.
Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Changes how the Risk Equalisation Fund pays premiums for certain insured groups from April 2022 onwards.
- Alters how high-cost health insurance claims count toward risk equalisation calculations between insurers.
- Makes related technical changes to stamp duty law and health insurance regulations.
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.
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.
Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates temporary legal basis for health passes verifying vaccination/recovery status to allow certain indoor premises to operate during Covid-19, with enforcement powers for the Minister for Health.
- Amends quarantine requirements for arrivals: allows shorter quarantine periods at designated facilities and permits the Minister to exempt certain people from facility quarantine via regulations.
- Modifies pre-travel requirements and gives the Minister power to prescribe testing purposes for quarantine detection in the Health Act 1947 framework.
CervicalCheck Tribunal (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Extends the deadline for submitting compensation claims to the CervicalCheck Tribunal beyond the original 2019 timeframe.
- Allows the Minister to extend the claim deadline further by ministerial order without needing new legislation.
- Provides related administrative changes to support extended claim processing for CervicalCheck screening failures.
Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Temporarily allows licensed premises to sell alcohol in outdoor seating areas to reduce Covid-19 transmission risk, with enforcement measures and compliance rules.
- Adds grounds for objecting to renewal of pub and club licenses if outdoor alcohol service breaches regulations.
- Increases the number of High Court judges and amends the Courts and Court Officers Act 1995 accordingly.
Mental Health (Capacity to Consent to Treatment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 First Stage Defeated Mark Ward
- Amends Mental Health Act 2001 to let people aged 16+ consent to mental health treatment without parental permission.
- Allows minors over 16 to make their own decisions about psychiatric care and related medical decisions.
- Bill was defeated at First Stage; did not progress to further debate or voting in parliament.
Planning and Development (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Allows planning authorities to extend existing development plans while preparing new ones, with environmental assessment requirements and notification to the Planning Regulator.
- Extends the time allowed for certain planning permissions to remain valid, addressing Covid-19 pandemic disruptions to development plan preparation.
- Adds statutory undertakers to planning rules and creates a new planning condition type that doesn't trigger compensation claims.
Health and Criminal Justice (Covid-19) (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Extends Covid-19 emergency powers from four earlier Acts for a further period, with possible extensions if the virus remains a grave public health risk.
- Maintains temporary measures under health and criminal justice laws to manage Covid-19 spread and protect public health.
- Allows government to extend the period these powers remain active if circumstances warrant, based on ongoing disease threat assessment.
Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) (Foetal Pain Relief) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 First Stage Defeated Carol Nolan
- Bill proposed to require pain relief for foetuses during certain termination of pregnancy procedures.
- Would have amended health regulations to mandate foetal anaesthesia or analgesia in specified circumstances.
- Bill defeated at First Stage; did not progress to further legislative consideration.
Education (Leaving Certificate 2021) (Accredited Grades) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Schools submitted estimated marks instead of exam scores for 2021 Leaving Certificate due to Covid-19 closures; State Examinations Commission converted these into accredited grades.
- Teachers, tutors, and principals were protected from legal liability for providing estimated marks used in the grading process.
- Students could lose accredited grades if they provided false information; the law also regulated who could act as tutors and issued 2020 exam certificates.
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.
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No. 2) Bill 2024
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Amends Health Act 2007 and Nursing Homes Support Scheme Act 2009 to change rules for residential care services.
- Specific amendments and practical effects on residential services not detailed in long title alone; further information needed.
- Bill enacted; changes to nursing home support and residential service regulations now in effect.
Health (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Amends five health laws covering medicines regulation, pharmacy practice, medical pricing, patient safety, and general health administration.
- Changes include updates to how medicines are approved, supplied, and priced; pharmacy standards; and patient incident reporting procedures.
- Specific amendments not detailed in title alone — full bill text needed to confirm exact scope and practical effects on citizens.
Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Updates premium amounts paid from the Risk Equalisation Fund for certain health insurance groups from 1 April 2024.
- Changes hospital utilisation credit amounts and high-cost claims thresholds in health insurance rules from 1 April 2024.
- Makes a related change to stamp duty law and other consequential amendments to health insurance regulations.
Domestic, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Agency Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Creates new agency to handle domestic, sexual, and gender-based violence; transfers relevant functions from Child and Family Agency to it.
- Amends Child and Family Agency Act 2013 to transfer staff, records, rights, and liabilities to the new violence prevention agency.
- Updates National Archives Act 1986; exact archival changes not specified in title alone—specific amendments require detailed bill text.
Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services) (Safe Access Zones) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Creates protected zones around healthcare premises where certain conduct is prohibited to prevent interference with termination of pregnancy services.
- Establishes enforcement mechanisms and criminal offences for people who engage in prohibited conduct within these safe access zones.
- Applies to areas in and adjacent to specific healthcare premises providing termination of pregnancy services.
Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Retailers must obtain licenses to sell tobacco and nicotine inhaling products. A register of all issued licenses will be maintained.
- Amends the Public Health (Tobacco) Act 2002 to add licensing requirements and enforcement powers for tobacco and nicotine product sales.
- Creates new offences for selling these products without a license. Updates related laws and removes outdated regulations.
Health (Amendment) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Removes section 53C from the Health Act 1970, which previously regulated a specific health provision or requirement.
- The bill's exact practical effect is unclear—the long title doesn't specify what section 53C required or why its removal matters.
- Allows any related health regulations or processes dependent on section 53C to change, but details aren't provided in available information.
Patient Safety (Notifiable Incidents and Open Disclosure) Bill 2019
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Health providers must openly disclose certain incidents to patients and apologize if appropriate. Legal protections prevent disclosure statements and apologies being used against providers in court.
- Healthcare incidents must be notified to specified persons. Independent reviews of serious incidents are mandatory, with results disclosed to affected patients.
- Clinical audit procedures and data are regulated. Private hospitals must meet same standards as public hospitals; Minister can designate private services as prescribed health services.
Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2019
30 Mar 2022 Enacted
- Updates Irish laws on health professional qualifications to match EU recognition rules for dentists, doctors, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and social care workers.
- Amends five main Acts (Dentists, Medical Practitioners, Nurses and Midwives, Pharmacy, Health and Social Care Professionals) to align with current EU directives.
- Makes technical changes to health identification and family law acts to support the professional qualification recognition framework.
Health Insurance (Amendment) Bill 2020
11 May 2021 Enacted
- Changes premium payments from the Risk Equalisation Fund for certain insurance classes effective 1 April 2021.
- Updates hospital utilisation credit amounts applicable from 1 April 2021 under health insurance rules.
- Makes related changes to stamp duty law and other connected matters.
Health (Amendment) Bill 2020
11 May 2021 Enacted
- Strengthens enforcement of health regulations under the Health Act 1947, enabling prosecutions for breaches.
- Introduces fixed-payment option: people accused of certain violations can pay a set sum instead of facing court.
- Gives gardaí power to issue directions in specified circumstances related to health regulation enforcement.
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.
Organisation of Working Time (Workers Rights and Bogus Self-Employment) (Amendment) Bill 2019
25 Feb 2021 First Stage Withdrawn Maurice Quinlivan
- Amends 1997 Act to ban falsely labeling employees as self-employed, protecting genuine employment status.
- Extends worker protections to Gardaí, Defence Forces, and trainee doctors; applies certain rights to self-employed.
- Bill withdrawn at First Stage; specific provisions and implementation details not available from title alone.
Central Mental Hospital (Relocation) Bill 2020
21 Jan 2021 Enacted
- Moves Central Mental Hospital from Dundrum to Portrane, County Dublin, including transfer of all detained persons.
- Closes Dundrum facility and repeals section 39 of Mental Treatment Act 1961; sets transitional arrangements for relocation.
- Enables legal transfer of patients lawfully detained at current hospital to new location in Portrane.
Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020
12 Jan 2021 Enacted
- Credit unions can hold meetings remotely and allow proxy voting during Covid-19, with Government able to extend this period by order.
- Amends Credit Union Act 1997 to temporarily suspend certain operational rules due to pandemic health risks.
- Updates Irish Fiscal Advisory Council member terms under Fiscal Responsibility Act 2012 and adjusts State loan agreements with EU.
Deportation Moratorium (Covid-19) Bill 2020
10 Dec 2020 First Stage Defeated Frances Black
- Proposed to ban deportations from Ireland during the Covid-19 public health emergency.
- Would have prevented removal of persons from the State while Covid-19 restrictions were in place.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and was defeated in the Oireachtas.
Residential Tenancies Bill 2020
9 Nov 2020 Enacted
- Temporarily modifies Residential Tenancies Act 2004 rules during Covid-19 travel restrictions to protect tenants from eviction while unable to secure alternative housing.
- Applies only when official health restrictions limit travel to, from, or within specific areas under Health Act 1947 powers.
- Addresses tenant hardship and housing stability during periods when pandemic restrictions prevent normal accommodation-finding activities.
Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Bill 2020
18 Sep 2020 Enacted
- Gives enforcement powers to monitor bars and pubs for compliance with Covid-19 health rules under the Health Act 1947.
- Allows authorities to object to licence renewals for premises that breach Covid-19 requirements on grounds of bad character.
- Amends Health Act 1947 to create additional criminal offences for non-compliance with pandemic-related public health measures.
Health (General Practitioner Service and Alteration of Criteria for Eligibility) Bill 2020
17 Aug 2020 Enacted
- Amends Health Act 1970 to gradually provide free GP services to all children under 13 living in Ireland.
- Changes eligibility criteria for health services under the 1970 Act; details of new criteria not specified in long title.
- Makes miscellaneous other changes to Health Act 1970; specific amendments not detailed in long title provided.
Companies (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Covid-19) Bill 2020
17 Aug 2020 Enacted
- Temporarily relaxes company law requirements under Companies Act 2014 and Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1893 to ease Covid-19 economic pressures; duration set by Government order.
- Allows companies to hold meetings and conduct business differently during the emergency period without standard legal procedures normally required.
- Makes further amendments to Companies Act 2014; specific changes not detailed in long title—full text needed for exact provisions affected.
Civil Law and Criminal Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2020
17 Aug 2020 Enacted
- Allows temporary coroners and deputy coroners to work during exceptional circumstances; amends Coroners Act 1962.
- Enables remote hearings, video links, and electronic statements in civil and criminal courts; updates court procedures.
- Permits State bodies and unincorporated organisations to hold remote meetings; allows documents signed in separate parts.
Health (Amendment) (Professional Home Care) Bill 2016
20 Apr 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Colm Burke
- Creates regulation framework for professional home care services in Ireland under amended Health Act 2007.
- Establishes standards and oversight for home care providers to ensure quality and safety of care delivery.
- Bill lapsed and did not progress beyond Second Stage debate in the Oireachtas.
Mental Health (Capacity To Consent To Treatment) Bill 2018
20 Apr 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Máire Devine
- Amends Mental Health Act 2001 to allow people aged 16+ to consent to mental health treatment without parental permission.
- Enables minors over 16 to make their own decisions about mental health care, changing current consent requirements.
- Bill lapsed; did not become law. Status and practical effect unknown as it did not complete the legislative process.
Critical Health Professionals Bill 2017
20 Apr 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Mark Daly
- Allows critical health professionals in HSE-funded organisations to postpone mandatory retirement age if both employee and employer agree.
- Applies to staff in organisations funded by Department of Health, HSE, section 38 providers, and other health service providers.
- Removes forced retirement at contractual age for eligible health workers, subject to mutual consent between parties.
Health and Safety (Carbon Monoxide) Bill 2017
20 Apr 2020 First Stage Lapsed Diarmuid Wilson
- Landlords must arrange annual servicing and maintenance of all heat-producing appliances that emit carbon monoxide in rental properties.
- Landlords must keep records proving an authorized person or company performed the required maintenance work.
- Requirements apply to private landlords, public organizations, and commercial landlords renting properties to tenants.
Health (Exemption of Charges for Involuntary Psychiatric Patients) (Amendment) Bill 2019
20 Apr 2020 First Stage Lapsed Máire Devine
- Amends Health Act 1970 to remove in-patient fees for people detained involuntarily in psychiatric hospitals.
- Involuntary patients would not pay charges; applies only to those held under mental health detention orders.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and has lapsed; never became law.
Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2019
20 Apr 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Máire Devine
- Amends 2015 Assisted Decision-Making Act to clarify how it applies to people treated under mental health and insanity laws.
- Aims to strengthen mental health service provision and protect rights of patients detained under Mental Health Act 2001.
- Bill lapsed during legislative process; specific amendments and practical changes not detailed in available information.
Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Bill 2020
2 Apr 2020 Enacted
- Temporarily suspends tenant evictions and modifies rental rules for 3 months (renewable by government order) during Covid-19.
- Allows fast-track registration of healthcare professionals, suspended military re-enlistment, and temporary wage subsidies for affected employees.
- Pauses planning deadlines, relaxes mental health review procedures, and permits remote civil registration to maintain essential services during emergency.
Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020
30 Mar 2020 Enacted
- Allows Health Minister to restrict events and premises access via regulations to control Covid-19 spread, with enforcement powers.
- Enables medical officers to order detention of suspected Covid-19 sources in certain circumstances, with enforcement measures.
- Amends welfare laws: expands illness benefit for diagnosed/suspected Covid-19 cases; broadens jobseeker's benefit/allowance to ease economic hardship.
Environment and Public Health (Wind Turbines)(No. 2) Bill 2013
19 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Mick Wallace
- Sets health protections against noise and shadow flicker from wind turbines, limiting potential harms to nearby residents.
- Implements Aarhus Convention requirements: public access to environmental information, participation in decisions, and justice mechanisms for environmental matters.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; never progressed to debate or vote in the Oireachtas.
Health (Amendment) Bill 2014
19 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Fergus O'Dowd
- Allows HIQA to investigate complaints about care safety and quality at designated centres without needing a formal complaint process.
- Expands HIQA's investigative powers to cover unsolicited communications expressing concerns about services provided by healthcare executives and registered providers.
- Applies to designated centres and their registered providers, affecting oversight of residential care facilities and service quality standards.
Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) (Amendment) Bill 2016
19 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Billy Kelleher
- Amends 2013 Act to permit switching between biologic drugs and their biosimilar versions in medical treatment.
- Aims to increase flexibility in prescribing and potentially reduce costs of biologic medicines for patients.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to further parliamentary debate or votes.
Mental Health (Amendment) Bill 2016
19 Feb 2020 Fifth Stage Lapsed Joan Freeman
- Children must be admitted to child-appropriate psychiatric units, not adult units, except in rare cases where it benefits the child.
- Applies to both voluntary and involuntary admissions of children to inpatient psychiatric care.
- Bill lapsed and did not become law; its provisions were not enacted.
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.
Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 Committee Stage Lapsed
- Expands role and powers of guardians ad litem (independent representatives for children in court cases) under child care law.
- Amends five related Acts to align vetting, child protection, and mental health procedures; removes outdated provisions from 1991 and 2011 Acts.
- Increases Child and Family Agency Board membership to improve governance of Ireland's child welfare authority.
Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Anne Rabbitte
- Expands HIQA's enforcement powers to cover foster care, children detention schools, residential centres, and Tusla services.
- Gives HIQA authority to enforce national standards across these four areas of child care and protection.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to become law.
Health (Amendment) Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Louise O'Reilly
- Amends the Health Act 1970 to change how health services are regulated or delivered; specific changes not detailed in title alone.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and has lapsed, meaning it did not become law.
- Sponsored by Louise O'Reilly; full scope of proposed amendments requires viewing the bill text for detail.
Healthy Homes Bill 2019
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Eamon Ryan
- Sets thermal efficiency standards for rented homes to improve energy performance and reduce heat loss.
- Requires testing of rental properties for radon gas and mandates remediation if levels are dangerously high.
- Amends the 1992 Housing Act to enforce these standards on landlords; bill lapsed without progressing.
Treatment of Cancer (Advertisements) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Kate O'Connell
- Bans certain advertisements about cancer treatments in the public interest.
- Aims to prevent misleading or harmful claims promoting unproven cancer remedies.
- Bill did not complete passage through the Oireachtas; status is lapsed.
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.
Irish Coast Guard Authority Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Robert Troy
- Creates Irish Coast Guard Authority as independent body, replacing the Coast Guard division within the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport.
- Designates the Authority as a principal response agency to manage and coordinate responses to major emergency events across the State.
- Authority works with An Garda Síochána, HSE, local authorities, and other prescribed bodies in emergency management and coordination.
Emergency Homeless Accommodation and Direct Provision Independent Inspection Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Eoin Ó Broin
- Amends Health Act 2007 to give HIQA power to inspect all emergency homeless accommodation funded by the Department of Housing, Planning and Community and Local Government.
- Grants HIQA power to inspect direct provision centres funded by the Reception and Integration Agency of the Department of Justice and Equality.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; was not enacted into law.
Civil Liability (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Louise O'Reilly
- Healthcare providers must openly disclose patient safety incidents to affected patients without delay.
- Patients must receive any additional information discovered later about their safety incident.
- Amends the 2017 Civil Liability Act to enforce these disclosure and information-sharing requirements.
All Terrain Vehicle Safety Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Dara Calleary
- Sets safety standards for how all-terrain vehicles are made and their component materials.
- Requires health and safety practices when all-terrain vehicles are used at work.
- Bill did not progress beyond initial introduction; status is lapsed.
Health (Pricing and Supply of Medical Goods) (Amendment) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed John Brassil
- Amends 2013 Act to set specific criteria for orphan drugs when deciding whether HSE adds them to the Reimbursement List.
- Orphan medicines (treating rare diseases) get defined assessment rules instead of general evaluation process.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not become law.
Public Health (Availability of Defibrillators) Bill 2018
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Noel Rock
- Schools must install and maintain defibrillators accessible to the public, with clear signage and online location information.
- Schools must train staff on defibrillators, keep a register of devices, and receive civil liability protection for proper use.
- Health and Safety Authority enforces compliance; non-compliance is an offense. Bill lapsed at First Stage—no longer active.
Equality (Miscellaneous Provisions) (No.2) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed James Browne
- Amends Employment Equality Act 1998 and Equal Status Act 2000 to ban discrimination based on mental health status.
- Protects people from unfair treatment in jobs and access to services because of their mental health condition.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; did not progress beyond Second Stage debate in 2017.
Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 First Stage Lapsed Mary Lou McDonald
- Amends 2015 Assisted Decision-Making Act to clarify how it applies to people receiving mental health treatment under the Mental Health Act 2001.
- Addresses rights and protections for people subject to mental health orders or insanity verdicts under existing mental health and criminal law frameworks.
- Aims to strengthen mental health service provision and safeguard decision-making rights for affected individuals. Bill lapsed without enactment.
Mental Health Parity Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed James Browne
- Treats mental health services with equal priority and resources as physical health services in Irish healthcare.
- Aims to improve mental health service provision and quality of care for patients receiving mental health treatment.
- Bill did not complete the legislative process and lapsed without becoming law.
Health and Safety (Funfair) (Amendment) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Niall Collins
- Amends 2005 workplace safety law to set stricter health and safety rules specifically for funfairs and amusement attractions.
- Aims to improve operator and visitor protection through enhanced standards, though specific new requirements are not detailed in title.
- Bill did not complete parliament—lapsed before becoming law, so these changes were not implemented.
Medical Practitioners (Amendment) Bill 2017
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Billy Kelleher
- Requires doctors to declare annually to the Medical Council any income or gifts received from medical suppliers or pharmaceutical companies.
- Declarations must be made in statutory form; no thresholds or exemption amounts specified in long title.
- Bill lapsed; did not proceed beyond Second Stage debate in 2017.
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.
Residential Institutions Statutory Fund (Amendment) Bill 2016
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Clare Daly
- Expands approved services available to former residents of residential institutions under the 2012 Fund Act.
- Improves application processing efficiency for former residents seeking support or compensation.
- Removes requirement to establish a special bank account in the Minister for Health's name.
Health and Social Care Professionals (Amendment) Bill 2016
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Brendan Howlin
- Amends the 2005 Health and Social Care Professionals Act, but bill lapsed before completion—specific changes not enacted.
- Would have modified rules for health and social care workers, though exact reforms are unclear from available information.
- Bill did not progress past Second Stage, so no amendments became law.
Cannabis for Medicinal Use Regulation Bill 2016
13 Feb 2020 Second Stage Lapsed Bríd Smith
- Creates Cannabis Regulation Authority to oversee medicinal cannabis supply through licensing system.
- Allows regulated production and distribution of cannabis for medical purposes under government oversight.
- Bill did not progress beyond Second Stage debate; current status unknown without recent legislative updates.