Justice & Policing
Bills affecting criminal law, courts, An Garda Síochána, prisons and sentencing.
200 bills tracked under this topic.
Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025
21 May 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Amends 2005 terrorist offences law to fully implement EU's 2017 counter-terrorism directive on definitions, penalties, and investigation powers.
- Updates Ireland's terrorism legislation to align with current EU standards, replacing older 2002 framework decision requirements.
- Specific changes and practical effects not detailed in title; bill currently in Committee Stage for detailed review.
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.
Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025
14 May 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Gardaí can now conduct biometric analysis (fingerprints, facial recognition, DNA) in specified circumstances under new powers.
- Government must create codes of practice setting rules and safeguards for how gardaí use biometric analysis tools.
- Amends 2023 Recording Devices Act to add biometric powers; practical effect is expanded police identification capabilities with oversight guidelines.
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.
Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026
6 May 2026 Committee Stage Current
- Updates Gardaí powers to stop and search people and vehicles in specific situations, and to search premises.
- Strengthens custody protections: access to lawyers, right to inform others of arrest, and consular contact rights.
- Amends three criminal justice laws (1976, 1997, 2007) to align with EU lawyer access directive requirements.
Gender Recognition (Amendment) (Prisons) Bill 2025
28 Apr 2026 Second Stage Current Peadar Tóibín
- Amends Gender Recognition Act 2015 to enable prisons to provide single-sex accommodation based on biological sex rather than legal gender recognition.
- Allows prison authorities to house inmates in facilities matching their sex at birth, regardless of gender recognition certificate status.
- Related provisions address how gender identity interacts with prison accommodation policy; specific criteria and exceptions not detailed in long title alone.
Child Maintenance Bill 2026
27 Apr 2026 Second Stage Current Pauline Tully
- Revenue Commissioners will assess child maintenance payments using a standard method, replacing court-based assessments in certain cases.
- Assessments can be updated and appealed; the Revenue Commissioners may depart from standard methodology in specific circumstances.
- Court applications for child maintenance restricted unless certain conditions apply; enforcement powers clarified for Revenue Commissioners.
Air Pollution (Amendment) Bill 2025
20 Apr 2026 Second Stage Current
- Updates the 1987 Air Pollution Act by expanding powers of authorized enforcement officers and creating new compliance tools.
- Introduces fixed penalty notices, compliance orders, fuel regulations, and asset forfeiture for air pollution breaches.
- Establishes registration systems for compliance tracking and allows information-sharing between enforcement agencies.
Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025
17 Apr 2026 Second Stage Current
- Lets Criminal Assets Bureau detain property longer during investigations and freeze bank account funds to prevent moving money.
- Speeds up court process to seize property by reducing time needed before formal disposal orders; appoints receivers to control assets.
- Updates five criminal justice laws and the National Archives Act to strengthen asset recovery powers in corruption and terrorism cases.
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.
Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) (Amendment) Bill 2026
9 Apr 2026 Enacted
- Allows wardship court to extend deadlines for capacity declarations in individual cases when time periods under sections 54(2) or 54(3) of the 2015 Act are about to expire.
- Amends the Assisted Decision-Making (Capacity) Act 2015 to enable flexibility where capacity assessment deadlines cannot be met before expiry.
- Applies only to specific wardship cases where extension is necessary; does not change standard capacity declaration procedures.
International Protection Bill 2026
26 Mar 2026 Fifth Stage Current
- Updates Irish law to implement seven new EU asylum and migration rules from 2024, covering reception standards, refugee qualification, processing procedures, resettlement, and biometric data sharing.
- Creates two new bodies: an asylum appeals tribunal and an inspector office for border asylum procedures. Replaces parts of the 2015 International Protection Act.
- Permits gathering information from protection applicants, allows removal of certain persons from Ireland, and amends nationality, immigration, and trafficking laws accordingly.
Environment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025
23 Mar 2026 Enacted
- Allows emergency licence applications to EPA for industrial/waste activities; enables EPA to review parts of existing licences in specific circumstances.
- Requires public bodies to report on green procurement criteria integration; updates environmental impact assessment rules to match EU directives.
- Strengthens litter offences under Litter Pollution Act 1997; changes EPA director appointment process and court powers for breaches.
Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Work Equipment) Bill 2026
20 Mar 2026 Second Stage Current PJ Murphy
- Amends the 2001 Theft and Fraud Act to set specific sentencing rules for stealing work tools and business supplies.
- Targets theft of equipment used in someone's job or trade, establishing clearer penalties for this crime category.
- Details of sentencing ranges and other provisions unclear at Second Stage; full scope will emerge as bill progresses.
Criminal Justice (Rehabilitative Periods) Bill 2018
20 Mar 2026 Second Stage Current Lynn Ruane
- Expands which criminal convictions can become 'spent' (hidden from disclosure after a period), broadening access to rehabilitation.
- Introduces proportionality principle: time before conviction becomes spent now tailored to offence severity, not uniform rules.
- Amends the 2016 Spent Convictions Act to modernise rehabilitation provisions and related procedures.
Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2025
13 Mar 2026 Committee Stage Current
- Amends 1991 Child Care Act to strengthen child protection rules, establish new coordination committee, and align with EU child safety directive.
- Updates vetting procedures under 2012 National Vetting Bureau Act and 2013 Child and Family Agency Act for better safeguarding.
- Sets guiding principles for Child and Family Agency and requires better cooperation between organizations handling child care and protection.
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.
Defamation (Amendment) Bill 2024
27 Feb 2026 Enacted
- Defamation cases in the High Court will no longer be decided by juries; judges will decide cases alone.
- Implements EU rules protecting people engaged in public participation from frivolous or abusive defamation lawsuits.
- Amends the 2009 Defamation Act to incorporate these protections and procedural changes into Irish law.
Institutional Burials (Amendment) Bill 2022
26 Feb 2026 First Stage Defeated Eileen Flynn
- Expands the Director of Authorised Intervention's powers to investigate suspected inappropriate burials in institutions even when exact burial locations are unknown.
- Allows people who believe they are related to those buried on institutional land to request excavation of that land.
- Bill was defeated at First Stage; did not progress to law.
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.
Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences (Amendment) Bill 2026
24 Feb 2026 Second Stage Current Matt Carthy
- Makes creating non-consensual intimate or harmful images illegal, closing a gap in current harassment law.
- Extends the time window for prosecutors to bring summary charges for harassment offences; specific new timeframe not yet detailed.
- Amends the 2020 Harassment Act; full scope and penalties for new image offence require further legislative stages.
Harassment, Harmful Communications and Related Offences (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026
5 Feb 2026 Second Stage Current Alan Kelly
- Extends laws protecting people from non-consensual intimate images to include computer-generated or digitally altered intimate images.
- Amends the 2020 Harassment Act to cover synthetic intimate images, not just real photographs or videos.
- Aims to criminalize creating, distributing, or publishing fake intimate images of people without consent.
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.
Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025
16 Dec 2025 Enacted
- Increases the number of judges across the Court of Appeal, High Court, Circuit Court, and District Court by amending relevant court establishment acts.
- Amends street collections, child care, and gambling regulation laws; repeals certain Family Courts Act 2024 provisions. Specific changes not detailed in long title.
- Updates court infrastructure legislation to expand judicial capacity. Exact number of new judge positions not specified in long title alone.
Civil Liability (Child Sexual Abuse Proceedings Against Unincorporated Bodies of Persons) Bill 2025
10 Dec 2025 Second Stage Current Ivana Bacik
- Allows civil lawsuits for child sexual abuse against unincorporated groups (like religious organisations) that currently can't be sued as legal entities.
- Lets these groups use associated trust assets to pay damages awards, protecting their main funds from seizure in abuse claims.
- Extends time limits under the Statute of Limitations 1957 to allow older abuse claims to proceed in court beyond current deadlines.
Companies (Protection of Title: Accountant) Bill 2025
23 Oct 2025 Second Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Only qualified people can call themselves accountants. Unqualified people using the title face penalties.
- The bill sets criteria for who can legally use the accountant title and how they're recognized.
- Misusing the accountant title is an offence with penalties. Specific penalty amounts not yet detailed in bill text.
Regulation of Drones Bill 2025
16 Oct 2025 Second Stage Current Roderic O'Gorman
- Sets rules for private and commercial drone use in Ireland, requiring local authorities to create management plans for drone operations.
- Allows people, councils, and EPA to sue in District Court if drones cause noise nuisance or annoyance.
- Amends planning and EPA laws; adds drone considerations to National Planning Statements for development decisions.
Domestic Violence (Free Travel Scheme) Bill 2025
15 Oct 2025 Second Stage Current Laura Harmon
- Establishes a free travel scheme allowing domestic violence victims to access transport without payment when fleeing unsafe situations.
- Bill is at Second Stage in Parliament; sponsor Laura Harmon introduced it to create support mechanisms for people escaping domestic abuse.
- Specific eligibility criteria, transport types covered, and implementation details not yet available in current legislative text.
Criminal Justice (Trespass on Land) Bill 2025
25 Sep 2025 First Stage Current Carol Nolan
- Amends the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to create or modify offences related to trespassing on land.
- Bill is at First Stage; specific amendments and penalties have not yet been publicly detailed.
- Missing: exact offence definitions, penalties, exemptions, and scope of 'related matters' referenced in long title.
Criminal Justice (Promotion of Restorative Justice) (Amendment) Bill 2023
8 Sep 2025 Second Stage Current Pa Daly
- Courts can now refer criminal cases to restorative justice schemes between charge and conviction, with power to dismiss charges if appropriate.
- Gardaí and the Director of Public Prosecutions can refer cases to restorative justice before court and review prosecution decisions accordingly.
- Courts encouraged to use restorative justice between conviction and sentencing as an alternative to traditional sentencing approaches.
Protection of Retail Workers Bill 2025
14 Aug 2025 Second Stage Current Mary Fitzpatrick
- Creates new criminal offences for assaulting or threatening retail workers while they work.
- Amends the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to add these specific protections.
- Currently at Second Stage; practical penalties and exact scope of 'retail worker' undefined.
Social Welfare (Bereaved Partner’s Pension and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025
25 Jul 2025 Enacted
- Amends Social Welfare Acts to introduce bereaved partner's pension and other welfare changes; details of specific payment amounts and eligibility criteria not provided in available information.
- Makes consequential changes to tax law (Taxes Consolidation Act 1997) related to welfare amendments; specific tax impacts unclear from bill title alone.
- Amends Family Courts Act 2024 and provides related provisions; exact scope of family law changes not specified in long title.
Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2025
10 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Mark Ward
- Amends the 1962 Coroners Act to introduce a new verdict called 'Iatrogenic Suicide' for coroner inquests.
- Allows coroners to record when medical treatment or healthcare contributed to a person's death by suicide.
- Specific changes and implementation date not yet detailed; bill currently at Second Stage parliamentary debate.
Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill 2024
3 Jul 2025 Committee Stage Current David P.B. Norris
- Makes breaching a domestic violence order an indictable offence (more serious crime) under the Domestic Violence Act 2018.
- Adds this offence to the Bail Act 1997 schedule, allowing courts to refuse bail for those accused of breaching orders.
- Bill currently at Committee Stage; practical effect depends on final amendments and passage through remaining legislative stages.
Disregard of Historic Offences for Consensual Sexual Activity Between Men Bill 2025
2 Jul 2025 Second Stage Current Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Creates a process to disregard historic convictions for consensual sexual activity between men, treating them as spent or wiped from records.
- Amends the Irish Human Rights and Equality Commission Act 2014; specific changes to that Act are not detailed in the long title provided.
- Bill is currently at Second Stage; full scope and application procedures for the disregard process are not specified in the long title.
Victims of Sexual Violence Civil Protection Orders Bill 2025
27 Jun 2025 Second Stage Current Matt Carthy
- Allows victims of sexual violence to seek civil protection orders through courts without requiring criminal proceedings.
- Gives judges authority to issue orders restricting contact, movement, or other conduct by the respondent to protect victims.
- Complements existing criminal law by providing a civil remedy route specifically for sexual violence victims.
Child Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation Material (Amendment) Bill 2022
12 Jun 2025 Report Stage Current Frances Black
- Renames the 1998 Child Trafficking and Pornography Act to Child Trafficking and Child Sexual Abuse Material Act.
- Renames the 2004 Amendment Act to Child Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation Material (Amendment) Act 2004.
- Replaces term 'Child Pornography' with 'Child Sexual Exploitation Material' across related legislation.
Parole (Special Advocates) Bill 2024
5 Jun 2025 Second Stage Current Lynn Ruane
- Amends Parole Act 2019 to allow special advocates to represent parole applicants' interests in certain Parole Board cases.
- Special advocates will support relevant applicants—likely those with security concerns or restricted evidence access.
- Creates new representation mechanism; bill is at Second Stage—detailed provisions and implementation scope not yet finalized.
Ukraine Solidarity Bill 2022
28 May 2025 Second Stage Current Jim O'Callaghan
- Establishes criminal and civil liability for aggression and related wrongs, with application beyond Ireland's borders.
- Recognizes qualifications of people displaced by the Ukraine conflict, enabling them to work or study in Ireland.
- Provides comprehensive support measures for Ukraine in response to the Russian Federation's military invasion.
Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) (Stalking) Bill 2021
28 May 2025 Second Stage Current Lisa Chambers
- Creates new criminal offence of stalking: repeated unwanted behaviour driven by fixation or obsession causing alarm, distress, or harm.
- Amends Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act to include stalking as a specific crime with associated penalties and procedures.
- Aims to protect victims from persistent targeted behaviour; specific penalties and enforcement mechanisms not detailed in long title alone.
Industrial Relations (Boycott of Joint Labour Committees) Bill 2025
22 May 2025 Second Stage Current George Lawlor
- Amends joint labour committee rules to allow appointments when employer or worker organisations refuse to consult Labour Court beforehand.
- Addresses boycotts by enabling committees to proceed despite one side's non-participation in the consultation process.
- Connected procedural changes to joint labour committee composition; specific mechanisms not detailed in long title.
Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person (Amendment) Bill 2024
22 May 2025 Report Stage Current Lisa Chambers
- Creates new criminal offence for 'catfishing'—deceptively impersonating someone online to harm or deceive them.
- Amends Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 to define and penalise catfishing as a crime.
- Makes related changes to Broadcasting Act 2009; specific penalties and enforcement mechanisms not detailed in long title.
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.
Family Law (Divorce) (Amendment) Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Patrick Costello
- Amends the 1996 Divorce Act to speed up access to divorce proceedings by removing or reducing current delays.
- Changes practical effect: citizens seeking divorce will face faster timelines to initiate and progress their cases through courts.
- Bill currently at Second Stage; specific procedural changes not yet detailed in available legislative text.
Criminal Law (Human Trafficking) (Amendment) Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Patrick Costello
- Amends the 2008 Human Trafficking Act. Specific changes not detailed in provided information.
- Bill is at Second Stage in Parliament, sponsored by Patrick Costello.
- Related matters mentioned but not specified in available documentation.
Non-Fatal Offences against the Person (Amendment) (Spiking) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current John Cummins
- Creates new crime of 'spiking': giving someone drugs without consent to overpower, sedate, or enable sexual assault, harm, theft, or other offences.
- Applies when perpetrator knows victim hasn't consented or is reckless about consent; covers injection, oral administration, or causing ingestion of substances.
- Amends Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act; specific spiking offence allows targeted prosecution distinct from existing assault or poisoning charges.
Neighbour Disputes (Vegetation) Bill 2017
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Creates a process for resolving neighbour disputes over vegetation causing nuisance, including blocked sunlight, via mediation and formal adjudication.
- Local authorities appoint adjudication officers to hear cases and make binding decisions; decisions can be appealed and enforced.
- Aims to provide structured alternative to court proceedings for vegetation-related neighbour conflicts.
National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) (Amendment) Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Réada Cronin
- Modifies the 2012 National Vetting Bureau Act governing background checks for people working with children and vulnerable persons.
- Specific amendments not detailed in provided information; bill is at Committee Stage where changes are being reviewed.
- Further details on exact scope and practical effects unavailable from current documentation.
Ban on Sex for Rent Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Cian O'Callaghan
- Makes it illegal to require or accept sexual activity in exchange for housing or accommodation.
- Criminalizes arranging or helping others demand sex as a condition for providing accommodation.
- Bill currently in Committee Stage; creates new criminal offences with unspecified penalties.
Misuse of Drugs (Cannabis Regulation) Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Gino Kenny
- Amends 1977 Misuse of Drugs Act to allow adults (18+) to possess cannabis and cannabis resin for personal use up to a specified amount.
- Sets legal possession limits for cannabis products, though exact amounts not detailed in long title; replaces current blanket prohibition.
- Bill currently in Committee Stage; specific enforcement, licensing, or tax provisions not described in available title information.
Legal Aid (Amendment) Bill 2023
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Patrick Costello
- Amends the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 to modify how legal aid operates in civil cases.
- Aims to make the legal aid system work more effectively, though specific changes not detailed in provided information.
- Bill currently at Second Stage; specific amendments and practical effects require review of detailed provisions.
Law Reform (Contracts) Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Patrick Costello
- Allows people not party to a contract to enforce or perform it in certain circumstances, expanding who can take legal action.
- Sets out clear rules for what happens when contracts end due to unforeseen events making performance impossible or illegal.
- Makes contract law more predictable by standardising how courts handle frustration and third-party rights in Ireland.
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.
Labour Exploitation and Trafficking (Audit of Supply Chains) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
- Large businesses must publicly report on labour exploitation and trafficking risks in their supply chains and what steps they take to prevent these activities.
- Companies disclose their anti-trafficking and labour exploitation measures transparently so the public can see what they're doing.
- The bill creates reporting requirements for undertakings; specific scope, thresholds, and enforcement mechanisms are not detailed in the long title provided.
Road Traffic (All-Terrain Vehicle and Scrambler Motorcycle) (Amendment) Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Paul McAuliffe
- Amends Road Traffic Act 1961 to tighten rules on using all-terrain vehicles and scrambler motorcycles on public roads.
- Gives gardaí power to seize these vehicles when legal violations occur, and confiscate/dispose of them if misused.
- Covers enforcement, seizure procedures, and disposal of vehicles used illegally in public places.
Judicial Council (Amendment) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Pearse Doherty
- Amends the Judicial Council Act 2019 to enable regulations requiring insurance providers to share information with the Central Bank about personal injuries guidelines' effects.
- Allows the Central Bank to gather data on how insurance industry adjusts to the Judicial Council's personal injuries guidelines and related policy changes.
- Enables rule-making powers for information-sharing requirements; specific data scope and insurance provider obligations to be set by regulation.
Coercion of a Minor (Misuse of Drugs Amendment) Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Martin Kenny
- Creates new criminal offence: causing or coercing a minor to possess controlled substances.
- Amends the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 to add this offence and related provisions.
- Currently in Committee Stage; unclear what penalties or age definitions apply.
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 Private Residences (Against Targeted Picketing) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Creates legal prevention against targeted picketing at private homes, making it unlawful to deliberately picket someone's residence.
- Aims to protect homeowners' privacy and safety from organized protest activity focused on individual addresses.
- Bill currently at Second Stage debate; specific enforcement measures, penalties, and exemptions not yet detailed in available information.
Protection of Hedgerows Bill 2024
2 May 2025 Second Stage Current Brian Leddin
- Creates legal protection for significant hedgerows. Minister can make regulations defining which hedgerows qualify and maintaining a public register of them.
- Prohibits removal of significant hedgerows except in specified circumstances. Establishes appeals process and penalties for breaches of the Act.
- Amends six existing Acts (Roads, Forestry, Communications, Electricity, Railway, Dublin Light Rail) to align them with hedgerow protections and requires notification to local authorities of violations.
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.
Protection of Accident Victims from Non-Consensual Recording of Images Bill 2022
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Duncan Smith
- Makes it illegal to record or publish images of deceased, seriously injured, or shocked persons at accident scenes without consent.
- Applies to accidents and emergencies; creates penalties for non-consensual recording and distribution of such images.
- Currently at Committee Stage; specific penalties and exemptions (e.g., emergency responders, journalists) not detailed in title alone.
Proceeds of Crime (Gross Human Rights Abuses) Bill 2020
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Brendan Howlin
- Treats money from gross human rights abuses abroad as criminal proceeds in Ireland, even if legal in that country.
- Amends Proceeds of Crime Acts 1996–2016 to let authorities seize assets linked to serious human rights violations overseas.
- Allows prosecution of crime proceeds from human rights abuses without requiring the act to be illegal where it occurred.
Acquisition of Development Land (Assessment of Compensation) Bill 2021
2 May 2025 Committee Stage Current Alan Kelly
- Sets rules for how local authorities calculate compensation when they compulsory acquire land for development purposes.
- Aims to balance property owners' rights with public good by regulating what compensation is legally owed.
- Currently in Committee Stage; Bill amends compensation assessment principles but specific rate changes not detailed in title.
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.
Guardianship of Infants (Amendment) Bill 2025
30 Apr 2025 Second Stage Current Gary Gannon
- Amends the 1964 Guardianship of Infants Act to allow suspension of guardians' powers, responsibilities, and rights in specific circumstances.
- Enables guardianship to be temporarily paused without full removal, preserving parental status while restricting decision-making authority.
- Bill currently at Second Stage; specific circumstances for suspension not detailed in available title information.
Protection of Voice and Image Bill 2025
2 Apr 2025 Second Stage Current Malcolm Byrne
- Creates new criminal offences for misusing someone's name, photograph, voice, or likeness without permission.
- Aims to protect individuals from unauthorised use of their identity in various contexts.
- Bill currently at Second Stage; specific penalties and exemptions not yet publicly detailed.
Sex Offenders (Amendment) (Coercive Control) Bill 2023
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Fiona O'Loughlin
- Amends Sex Offenders Act 2001 to require people convicted of coercive control to notify An Garda Síochána (Irish police).
- Creates notification obligation in the interests of public safety; specific details of frequency and information required not specified in long title.
- Currently at Committee Stage; practical scope and enforcement mechanisms require full bill text to clarify.
Criminal Justice (Public Order) (Amendment) Bill 2019
28 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Robbie Gallagher
- Assault on emergency service workers (police, fire, ambulance) now carries a mandatory prison sentence instead of optional penalty.
- New crime created: deliberately ramming an emergency services vehicle. Also carries mandatory prison sentence.
- Amends the 1994 Public Order Act to enforce these penalties and related enforcement measures.
Ban on Dumping New Products Bill 2022
21 Mar 2025 Report Stage Current Lynn Boylan
- New non-food products cannot be dumped; the Minister can set rules about which products are covered.
- Breaching dumping ban rules is a criminal offence with penalties enforced by authorities.
- Bill aims to reduce waste by preventing retailers or businesses destroying unsold new goods.
Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (Judicial Oath of Office) Bill 2025
21 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Barry Ward
- This bill proposes to amend the Irish Constitution, but the long title provides no detail on what specific change is intended.
- The short title references 'judicial oath of office,' suggesting it may alter how judges take office, though exact changes are not specified.
- Bill is at Second Stage; full scope and practical effects cannot be determined from available information.
Domestic Violence (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2024
5 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Tom Clonan
- Amends the 2018 Domestic Violence Act to restrict who can be present during court proceedings in domestic violence cases.
- Aims to protect privacy and safety of domestic violence victims by limiting courtroom access during these sensitive hearings.
- Currently in Committee Stage; specific restrictions being debated but not yet finalized in law.
Life Saving Equipment Bill 2017
5 Mar 2025 Committee Stage Current Paul Daly
- Creates a specific criminal offence for interfering with, damaging, or removing life-saving equipment like defibrillators or lifebuoys.
- Allows prosecution of people who tamper with safety equipment that could be needed in emergencies.
- Currently at Committee Stage; details on penalties and enforcement mechanisms not yet available from long title.
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.
Domestic Violence (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 2024
5 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Vincent P. Martin
- Amends the 2018 Domestic Violence Act to expand who counts as a 'relevant person' under the coercive control offence in section 39.
- Broadens the scope of the coercive control law, likely to cover additional relationship types or circumstances not previously included.
- Missing: specific details on which relationships or person categories are added to the definition—legislative text needed for clarity.
Controlled Drugs and Harm Reduction Bill 2017
5 Mar 2025 Second Stage Current Brian Ó Domhnaill
- Decriminalises possessing controlled drugs for personal use and sets regulations defining what counts as personal use.
- Creates Drug Dissuasion Service to handle people found with drugs, offering rehabilitation and awareness programmes instead of court prosecution.
- Amends Misuse of Drugs Acts 1977–2016 to redirect drug possession cases toward harm reduction rather than criminal penalties.
Ministers and Secretaries and Ministerial, Parliamentary, Judicial and Court Offices (Amendment) Bill 2025
3 Mar 2025 Enacted
- Increases the maximum number of Ministers of State the Government can appoint by amending the 1977 Act.
- Amends the 1998 Act's section 3A regarding allowances for ministerial and parliamentary office holders.
- Enacts related provisions to support the expanded ministerial structure and associated allowances.
Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Agreement on a Unified Patent Court) Bill 2024
20 Feb 2025 Committee Stage Current
- Amends the Irish Constitution to enable Ireland to ratify the Unified Patent Court Agreement, creating a single EU-wide patent court system.
- Allows Ireland to participate in unified patent litigation rather than handling cases through separate national courts.
- Constitutional change required because the Agreement involves transferring some judicial authority to an international court body.
Commissions of Investigation (Amendment) Bill 2023
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Defeated Kathleen Funchion
- Amends the 2004 Commissions of Investigation Act to change how these official inquiry bodies work, though specific amendments aren't detailed in provided text.
- Bill was defeated at Second Stage, meaning it didn't progress to full debate and won't become law in this form.
- Sponsor Kathleen Funchion proposed the changes, but exact practical effects on investigations or procedures require access to the bill's detailed provisions.
Impaired Farm Credit Bill 2022
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Defeated Michael Healy-Rae
- Splits farm properties into farmhouse and farmlands. Farmhouse debt follows residential protection rules; farmlands debt follows farm-specific rules.
- Pauses creditor sales of farmlands while farmers prepare debt settlement proposals, modelled on company examinership and personal insolvency frameworks.
- Allows courts to impose revised loan terms on creditors if fair to all creditor classes; permits overindebted land return to State for food security and climate goals.
Protection of Children (Online Pornographic Material) Bill 2020
20 Feb 2025 Second Stage Defeated Peadar Tóibín
- Aimed to protect children from accessing online pornography through internet regulation measures.
- Would address related child safety issues alongside pornographic content restrictions.
- Bill defeated at Second Stage; did not become law. Specific mechanisms not detailed in provided information.
Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2025
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Vincent P. Martin
- Courts can order convicted people to attend sentencing hearings in person for certain offences.
- Amends Criminal Procedure Act 1967 to establish this court power and related procedures.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; specific offences covered and enforcement details not yet specified.
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.
Bail (Amendment) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Vincent P. Martin
- Adds domestic violence offense (section 39 of Domestic Violence Act 2018) to bail legislation's schedule of serious crimes.
- Amends Bail Act 1997 to potentially affect bail conditions or requirements for people charged with this offense.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage; currently lapsed with no active status.
Protection of Children (Online Age Verification) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Sharon Keogan
- Requires age-verification systems to block under-18s from accessing online pornography.
- Applies to internet pornographic material; enforcement mechanism and technical standards not specified in title.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not progress to law.
Third-Party Funding Contracts (Certain Proceedings) Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Mary Seery Kearney
- Removes criminal and civil penalties for maintenance and champerty (financial backing of legal cases) in specified proceedings.
- Allows third parties to fund certain legal cases without committing an offence or tort under existing law.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; specific proceedings covered and related provisions not detailed in available information.
Protection of Retail Workers Bill 2024
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Malcolm Byrne
- Creates new criminal offences for assaulting or threatening retail workers while they work.
- Amends the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to add these specific protections.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage and has lapsed without becoming law.
Misuse of Drugs (Amendment) (Control of Nitrous Oxide) Bill 2023
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed John Cummins
- Amends the Misuse of Drugs Act 1977 to control nitrous oxide, likely adding it to controlled substances list.
- Aims to restrict supply, possession, or use of nitrous oxide through updated drug legislation framework.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no amendments were enacted or implemented into law.
Civil Legal Aid (Neighbours’ Dispute Mediation Services) Bill 2023
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Micheál Carrigy
- Amends the Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 to extend legal aid eligibility. Specific changes to scope and access not detailed in available information.
- Introduces mediation services for neighbours' disputes. Practical effect on funding, case types, or service delivery details not provided.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage. Status and current parliamentary position unclear from title alone; consult Oireachtas records for details.
Criminal Justice (Juvenile Offenders) Bill 2023
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Barry Ward
- Allows judges discretion in sentencing juvenile murderers and traitors, replacing mandatory life sentences with other options.
- Extends suspended sentence rules to juvenile offenders, giving courts more flexibility in how sentences are served.
- Gives judges discretion when setting detention and supervision order terms for young offenders under the Children Act 2001.
Domestic Violence (Amendment) Bill 2023
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Vincent P. Martin
- Amends 2018 Domestic Violence Act to prevent accused persons from directly cross-examining child witnesses or alleged victims in coercive control cases.
- Protects vulnerable witnesses from face-to-face questioning by accused abusers during court proceedings involving coercive control offences.
- Bill lapsed; did not progress beyond Second Stage debate in Oireachtas.
Coroners (Provision for Jury Selection) (Amendment) Bill 2022
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Lynn Boylan
- Amends the Coroners Act 1962 to allow coroners to select juries using procedures from the Juries Act 1976.
- Specifically enables jury selection for the Stardust Inquest using standard jury selection rules.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not progress to become law.
Personal Injuries Assessment Board (Amendment) Bill 2022
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Rónán Mullen
- Amends the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003, but specific changes not detailed in title alone.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage, so it did not become law.
- Information on substantive amendments needed—bill summary or heads of legislation required for details.
Local Government (Surveillance Powers in Relation to Certain Offences) Bill 2022
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Malcolm Byrne
- Local authorities can authorise installation and operation of surveillance devices to deter, prevent, detect, and prosecute certain offences.
- Third parties must share relevant data with local authorities to help them perform functions related to these offences.
- The Bill sets out rules for how local authorities regulate and perform these surveillance and data-sharing functions.
Registration of Wills Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Victor Boyhan
- Extends Civil Registration Service to register information about wills, creating a national record system for will data.
- Updates Civil Registration Service law to accommodate will registration and related administrative functions.
- Bill lapsed before completion; did not become law. Would have changed how will information is recorded and accessed.
Civil Legal Aid (Exclusion of Value of Free or Partly Free Board) (Amendment) Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Lynn Boylan
- Amends Civil Legal Aid Act 1995 to exclude free or partly free board value from income calculations for legal aid applications.
- People receiving free or reduced-cost accommodation won't have that benefit counted as income when determining legal aid eligibility.
- Bill lapsed before completion; did not become law. Would have helped those in housing assistance or shared arrangements access civil legal aid.
Adoption (Information and Tracing) Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Ivana Bacik
- Allows adult adopted persons to access the index linking their adoption records to their birth registration held by the Registrar General.
- Amends the Adoption Act 2010 to enable adopted adults to trace their origins through official records connections.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to law.
Local Government (Use of CCTV in Prosecution of Offences) Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Mark Wall
- Allows local authorities to use CCTV cameras in public places to prevent, investigate, detect and prosecute certain offences.
- Provides legal framework for local councils to operate CCTV systems for law enforcement purposes beyond existing powers.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not proceed to law. Status and scope of offences covered remain unspecified in available text.
Criminal Procedure and Related Matters Bill 2021
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Barry Ward
- Bill proposes unspecified amendments to criminal procedure rules and related legal matters.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage; it lapsed without becoming law.
- Specific procedural changes not detailed in available information; full scope unclear.
Criminal Justice (Hate Crime) Bill 2020
30 Jan 2025 First Stage Lapsed Fiona O'Loughlin
- Creates hate crime laws. Adds harsher penalties when listed crimes target people based on asylum status, race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, transgender identity, or age.
- Applies to specific offences named in the bill's schedule. Courts must impose increased sentences when hate motivation is proven alongside these base crimes.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage. Not enacted into law; current status of hate crime legislation in Ireland unclear from this bill alone.
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.
Convictions for Certain Sexual Offences (Apology and Exoneration) Bill 2016
30 Jan 2025 Second Stage Lapsed Aodhán Ó Ríordáin
- Government apologizes to people convicted under laws criminalizing consensual same-sex relationships, acknowledging prosecutions were discriminatory and violated human dignity.
- People with such convictions can receive formal exoneration, recognizing these laws breached personal privacy and autonomy rights.
- Bill addresses related matters but lapsed before becoming law; specific exoneration process and eligibility criteria not detailed in long title.
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.
Companies (Corporate Governance, Enforcement and Regulatory Provisions) Bill 2024
18 Nov 2024 Enacted
- Companies and societies can now hold general meetings using electronic communications technology instead of in-person only.
- New offence created for obstructing Corporate Enforcement Authority officers; audit exemptions tightened; companies can be struck off on additional grounds.
- Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority gains powers to issue interim directions and use reserve fund money for supervisory functions.
Land (Zoning Value Sharing) Bill 2024
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed
- Planning authorities must assess land values before and after zoning permission, then require developers to pay the difference to the authority.
- Developers can appeal value assessments; planning authorities must maintain a public register of land values and how zoning payments are spent.
- Unpaid zoning payments become a legal charge on the land; authorities use payments for infrastructure; false information to authorities is an offence.
Residential Tenancies (Illegal Evictions) (Amendment) Bill 2024
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Eoin Ó Broin
- Creates new criminal offence for forcibly ending a tenancy without legal process.
- Allows courts to award exemplary damages in illegal eviction cases as punishment.
- Enables data sharing between rental board, property regulator, and Revenue to identify landlords.
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.
Fair Procedures in the Administration of Justice Bill 2024
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Patrick Costello
- Requires administrative bodies operating under Article 37 of the Constitution to follow due process and fair procedures when making quasi-judicial decisions.
- Gives the Minister power to designate which bodies must comply and to issue regulations setting out required fair procedure standards.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage in 2024; no changes to existing law took effect.
Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (Sex for Rent) Bill 2024
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Eoin Ó Broin
- Makes it illegal for landlords to demand or offer sex as payment instead of rent, or to advertise such arrangements.
- Amends the Residential Tenancies Act 2004 to create criminal offences for landlords engaging in this conduct.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; current legislative status unclear — check Oireachtas website for reintroduction or successor measures.
Gender Recognition (Amendment) (Prisons) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Danny Healy-Rae
- Amends the 2015 Gender Recognition Act to address single-sex prison accommodation rules.
- Aims to clarify how prison housing is arranged for people with gender recognition certificates.
- Bill did not progress beyond First Stage introduction; it lapsed without further debate or votes.
Children (Amendment) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Patrick Costello
- Expands privacy protections for people accused or convicted of crimes committed when under 18 years old.
- Aims to ensure consistent application of anonymity rules across all cases involving minors and criminal offences.
- Bill did not progress beyond initial parliamentary stage; lapsed without becoming law.
Criminal Justice (Search Warrant Oversight) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Patrick Costello
- Removes gardaí's power to authorize premises searches without sworn information. Requires judicial oversight for search warrants.
- Amends multiple existing acts to strengthen search warrant requirements. Gardaí must provide sworn evidence to justify searches.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage. Did not progress to debate or vote in the Dáil.
European Convention on Human Rights (Challenge to British Government Amnesty) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Ireland can apply to European Court of Human Rights if UK passes amnesty law for crimes in Northern Ireland.
- Bill enables Irish state action against potential British amnesty legislation covering criminal acts related to North of Ireland.
- Lapsed at First Stage; scope of 'related matters' and enforcement mechanisms not detailed in long title.
Commission of Investigation (Collusion of British State Forces) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Establishes a public inquiry into suspected collusion between British State forces and others from 1968–1998 to commit or cover up crimes including murder.
- Covers alleged involvement in offences across the island of Ireland during the specified period, including cases where prosecution was prevented.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no legislative progress made. Details on inquiry powers, scope, or timeline are not specified in available documentation.
Criminal Justice (Public Order) (Amendment) Bill 2023
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Amends Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to introduce minimum prison sentences for certain assault offences.
- Specific assault offences and minimum sentence lengths not detailed in long title alone.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to debate or vote.
Responsibility of Social Media Platforms (Defamation Amendment) Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Martin Kenny
- Social media platforms can be sued for defamation if they can't identify who posted the false statements.
- This amends defamation law to hold platforms liable when user identities remain unknown or unavailable.
- Bill expired without progressing beyond First Stage; no law currently enacted from this proposal.
Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2022
14 Nov 2024 Fifth Stage Lapsed Regina Doherty
- Amends the Criminal Justice Act 1993 and Civil Legal Aid Act 1995; specific changes not detailed in provided information.
- Bill lapsed before completion; did not become law. Sponsor: Regina Doherty.
- Related matters referenced but undefined in available source material.
Protected Disclosures (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Mairéad Farrell
- Amends the Protected Disclosures Act 2014, which protects workers reporting wrongdoing. Specific changes not detailed in available information.
- Bill sponsored by Mairéad Farrell. Lapsed during First Stage, meaning it did not progress through the legislative process.
- Related matters regarding whistleblower protections addressed, but exact scope and practical effects are not specified in provided details.
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.
Social Welfare (Payment Order) (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Claire Kerrane
- Expands Liable Relatives Unit powers to issue Determination Orders for Jobseeker Transitional Payments to one-parent families.
- Enables state to seek Payment Orders from District Court to recover contributions from liable relatives toward payment costs.
- Allows recoupment of welfare benefits from family members legally responsible for financial support of recipients.
Proceeds of Crime (Investment in Disadvantaged Communities) (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Mark Ward
- Amends Proceeds of Crime Act 1996 to redirect seized criminal assets into disadvantaged communities.
- Aims to reduce crime's impact and prevent reoffending by investing proceeds in affected areas.
- Bill did not progress beyond Second Stage and lapsed (status: no longer active).
Firearms and Offensive Weapons (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Jim O'Callaghan
- Amends the 1990 Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act to increase maximum jail sentences for illegally carrying a knife with intent to harm, incapacitate, or threaten someone.
- Specific new sentence length not stated in title; bill lapsed during Second Stage parliamentary debate without becoming law.
- Sponsored by Jim O'Callaghan; no longer active as of status date.
Civil Liability and Courts (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Denis Naughten
- Amends the Civil Liability and Courts Act 2004, but the long title doesn't specify which sections or what changes are made.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage, so it did not proceed to law and has no current effect.
- Related matters mentioned but not detailed in long title; specific provisions unknown without full bill text.
Adoption (Information) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Thomas Pringle
- Adult adopted persons can access their entry in the index linking adoption records to birth registrations.
- Amends the Adoption Act 2010 to improve information access for adopted adults about their birth origins.
- Bill lapsed during Second Stage; did not become law.
Civil Registration (Right of Adoptees to Information) (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Kathleen Funchion
- Adopted persons gain legal right to access their own birth records and personal information about their origins.
- Amends civil registration law to remove barriers preventing adoptees from obtaining documents held by registration authorities.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; would need reintroduction to take effect.
Oireachtas Members (Economic Justice) (Covid-19) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Reduces salaries of Irish parliament members while Covid-19 restrictions remain in place, as gesture of public solidarity.
- Applies only during currency of certain Covid-19 restrictions; salary restoration occurs when restrictions end.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; never progressed to debate or votes in parliament.
Children (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Jim O'Callaghan
- Amends Children Act 2001 to allow media publication of details about people charged with child offences if the child victim is deceased.
- Permits adult survivors of childhood offences to voluntarily waive their anonymity protections that were set under the Children Act 2001.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to further debate or votes in Oireachtas.
Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) (Pets) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Peadar Tóibín
- Amends the 2001 Theft and Fraud Act to create specific sentencing rules for crimes involving pets.
- Addresses theft, fraud, or similar offences where pets are the subject; detailed sentencing provisions not publicly specified.
- Bill lapsed without becoming law; specific penalties and definitions of covered pet-related offences unclear from long title alone.
Criminal Justice (Public Order) (Quadbikes and Scramblers) (Amendment) Bill 2021
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Paul Donnelly
- Gives Gardaí power to seize and detain quad bikes and scrambler motorcycles used unlawfully, including in public parks and green spaces.
- Amends Road Traffic Acts 1961–2020 to extend enforcement powers beyond roads to public recreational areas.
- Bill lapsed at Second Stage; no longer active in parliament.
Regulation of Lobbying (Amendment) Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Mairéad Farrell
- Extends lobbying rules to more people and gives the Commission power to issue communication directions and investigate Code of Conduct breaches.
- Increases cooling-off period for former public officials from one to two years before lobbying their former workplace.
- Makes certain post-employment violations a criminal offence and allows the Commission to publish details of cooling-off period waivers or reductions.
Organisation of Working Time (Domestic Violence Leave) Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Louise O'Reilly
- Allows employees experiencing domestic violence to take paid leave from work without losing their job or pay.
- Amends the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 to create this new leave entitlement and protects against unfair dismissal.
- Extends legal protections so workers cannot be fired or penalized for taking domestic violence leave.
Latent Defects Redress Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Eoin Ó Broin
- Creates a Latent Defects Redress Board to help homeowners resolve disputes over building regulation breaches in their homes.
- Gives homeowners who bought in good faith access to mediation or adjudication for non-compliance issues with building standards.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; specific details on scope, timelines, and remedies available are not yet legislated.
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.
Industrial Relations (Sectoral Employment Orders Confirmation) Bill 2020
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Ged Nash
- Converts Labour Court recommendations on pay and working conditions into legally binding rules for specific economic sectors.
- Allows sectoral employment orders to set minimum standards across industries without requiring individual employer agreements.
- Bill did not progress beyond introduction; lapsed without becoming law.
Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
- Allows crime victims to be heard and have legal representation when courts consider evidence about their clothing at time of alleged sexual offence.
- Amends rules on admitting evidence about a complainant's previous sexual history in rape cases under the Criminal Law (Rape) Act 1981.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; status indicates it did not progress through Parliament and is no longer active.
Litter Pollution (Amendment) (Dog Litter Control) Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Seán Crowe
- Amends Litter Pollution Act 1997 to require dog owners carry suitable bags or tools to dispose of dog faeces in public areas.
- Wardens and gardaí can request proof you have disposal equipment; failure to produce it becomes an offence.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; did not progress to law.
Regulation of Private Security Firms Bill 2019
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
- Amends the 2004 Private Security Services Act to regulate security firms that enforce court orders and repossess properties.
- Adds oversight rules for private security companies currently operating without specific regulation in repossession and court enforcement work.
- Bill lapsed before completion; specific regulatory requirements and enforcement mechanisms are not publicly detailed.
Child and Family Agency (Foster Care Oversight) Bill 2018
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Denise Mitchell
- Amends the Child and Family Agency Act 2013 to change how foster care is overseen and managed by the agency.
- Specific amendments and their practical effects are not detailed in available bill documentation.
- Bill lapsed at First Stage; no further legislative progress occurred.
Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2018
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Maureen O'Sullivan
- Restricts certain sex offenders from traveling abroad to protect people in other countries from serious harm.
- Amends the Sexual Offenders Act 2001 to add travel controls as part of offender regulation.
- Bill lapsed before becoming law; did not progress past Second Stage debate in Dáil.
Overcrowded Housing Bill 2018
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Barry Cowen
- Creates legal definition of overcrowding in housing and sets standards for Planning Authorities to assess it under Housing Acts.
- Increases penalties for building owners who provide overcrowded accommodation.
- Bill did not complete parliamentary process; lapsed without becoming law.
Central Bank (Amendment) Bill 2018
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Pearse Doherty
- Extends Central Bank's powers to investigate suspected false or misleading information provided to it.
- Allows Central Bank to impose administrative sanctions for providing false or misleading information.
- Creates a new criminal offence for providing false or misleading information to the Central Bank.
Multi-Party Actions Bill 2017
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Pearse Doherty
- Allows multiple claimants with similar claims to sue together in one action, reducing individual legal costs.
- Changes civil court procedures to streamline multi-party lawsuits and make litigation more affordable for groups.
- Bill did not progress beyond Second Stage debate and has since lapsed without becoming law.
Trade Union (Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces) Bill 2017
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Aengus Ó Snodaigh
- Allows Gardaí and Defence Forces members to join trade unions and associations, ending current legal ban.
- Permits Defence Forces associations to become trade unions if they wish to reconstitute themselves.
- Bans strike action by Gardaí, Defence Forces, and their unions to protect public safety.
Civil Law (Missing Persons) (No. 2) Bill 2016
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed Jonathan O'Brien
- Creates legal status for missing persons, allowing interim management of their property while they're absent.
- Permits courts to presume someone dead based on circumstances of disappearance, affecting civil status and inheritance.
- Addresses property, legal affairs, and succession matters for missing persons without waiting for formal death declaration.
Registration of Wills Bill 2016
14 Nov 2024 Fifth Stage Lapsed Catherine Ardagh
- Extends civil registration service to register information about wills, creating a new record-keeping system.
- Revises existing civil registration laws to accommodate will registration and related administrative processes.
- Bill lapsed and did not become law; no practical effect on current Irish legislation.
Equal Status (Equality Proofing) (Amendment) Bill 2016
14 Nov 2024 First Stage Lapsed David Cullinane
- Requires public bodies to consider reducing socio-economic and other inequalities when making decisions.
- Mandates equality impact assessments for measures likely to significantly affect equality of opportunity.
- Gives Equality Authority role in administering new provisions; amends Equal Status Act 2000.
Child Sex Offenders (Information and Monitoring) Bill 2012
14 Nov 2024 Second Stage Lapsed Denis Naughten
- Parents, guardians, schools, and clubs can ask Gardaí whether someone poses a sexual risk to children.
- Updates sex offender monitoring rules; amends the Sex Offenders Act 2001 with modernised procedures.
- Bill lapsed at Second Stage; did not progress to law.
Criminal Justice (Hate Offences) Bill 2022
4 Nov 2024 Enacted
- Adds 'hate offence' provisions to three criminal laws, making crimes worse if motivated by hatred based on protected characteristics like race, religion, or sexual orientation.
- Courts must treat hatred-based motivation as an aggravating factor when sentencing for relevant offences, potentially increasing penalties.
- Amends Criminal Damage Act 1991, Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, and Non-Fatal Offences against the Person Act 1997 to include these provisions.
Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2024
24 Oct 2024 Enacted
- Amends Criminal Justice Act 1990 to change how courts sentence offenders who were under 18 when they committed certain crimes.
- Applies new sentencing rules specifically to young offenders, replacing previous approach for those crimes covered by the 1990 Act.
- Exact sentencing changes and which offences are included require reviewing the Act's text — information not provided in bill title.
Regulation of Lobbying and Oireachtas (Allowances to Members) (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Strengthens lobbying rules: expands who must register, broadens what counts as lobbying, adds more exempt communications.
- Creates enforcement system: introduces non-criminal penalties and sanctions for breaking lobbying rules, replacing some criminal approaches.
- Restricts former officials: tightens rules on when ex-public servants can lobby; updates lawmakers' allowances under separate provisions.
Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends nationality, citizenship, and immigration laws; updates court procedures for juries, bankruptcy, and civil liability cases.
- Updates court administration: centralizes offices, maintains electronic registers, changes staff appointment rules for judges and court officers.
- Expands Data Protection Commission powers to issue reprimands and protect confidential information; gives District Court jurisdiction over data protection disputes.
Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates new offences for non-fatal strangulation, suffocation, harassment and stalking, with court protection orders available for victims.
- Amends conspiracy to murder laws and updates explosives/firearms offences; allows courts to grant witness anonymity in criminal proceedings.
- Introduces evidence certificates for drug/forensic items handling; updates bail, insanity, domestic violence and related criminal justice laws.
Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Gardaí can use body-worn cameras, ANPR (number plate readers), CCTV, and telephone recording in defined circumstances, with oversight from courts or senior officers.
- Gardaí can request CCTV footage from businesses; refusal becomes an offence. Live CCTV monitoring requires District Court approval or senior officer permission.
- Establishes codes of practice for recording device use. Repeals old Garda Act 2005 provisions. Reviews planned for ANPR and CCTV rules.
Personal Injuries Resolution Board Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Renames Personal Injuries Assessment Board to Personal Injuries Resolution Board and adds mediation process for injury claims.
- Board can appoint mediators, set mediation rules, and adjust procedures for long-term prognosis cases and fee charging.
- Creates offence for providing false information to the Board; amends Freedom of Information Act 2014 for related transparency.
Central Bank (Individual Accountability Framework) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Extends Central Bank's ability to sanction individuals in controlled functions and holding companies; adds High Court confirmation process for certain decisions.
- Introduces business and conduct standards for financial service providers and individuals; requires personal responsibility duty; strengthens investigator independence.
- Allows High Court to extend suspension periods longer; adds appeal rights to Financial Services Tribunal; clarifies compliance responsibility allocation rules.
Garda Síochána (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends section 8 of the Garda Síochána Act 2005; specific changes to that section not detailed in provided information.
- Includes related matters alongside the main amendment, but exact scope of these provisions is not specified.
- Became law in 2022; practical effects depend on section 8 amendments, which require the full text to explain clearly.
Judicial Appointments Commission Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates a new Judicial Appointments Commission to recommend judges for appointment based on merit and transparent selection procedures, replacing the previous Advisory Board.
- Amends qualification and eligibility requirements for judicial office and requires the Commission to publish its selection criteria and required knowledge and skills.
- Dissolves the Judicial Appointments Advisory Board and modifies related acts including the Courts of Justice Act 1936, Courts Act 1973, and Judicial Council Act 2019.
Planning and Development, Maritime and Valuation (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Prevents advertising rental properties in rent pressure zones for under 14 days, and streamlines planning applications by allowing consultation before full details are confirmed.
- Removes the requirement to apply for leave for substitute consent in planning; allows appeals to An Bord Pleanála for adjoining lands; changes judicial review procedures.
- Establishes Maritime Area Regulatory Authority chief executive role; allows Commissioner of Valuation to revoke valuation orders with ministerial consent; extends valuation list publication deadlines.
Sick Leave Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Employees get up to 3 statutory sick leave days per year, with pay calculated as prescribed by regulations.
- Minister can adjust the number of sick days allowed; Labour Court can exempt employers in certain circumstances.
- Employers must keep records of sick leave; amends Workplace Relations Act 2015 to support these provisions.
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.
Competition (Amendment) Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates non-criminal enforcement system for competition breaches, including independent adjudication officers issuing prohibition notices and imposing financial penalties, structural remedies, and behavioral orders.
- Introduces leniency program for undertakings cooperating on competition violations; increases criminal penalties for competition law breaches; expands CCPC surveillance powers for criminal investigations.
- Amends five Acts (Competition 2002, CCPA 2014, Communications 2002, Consumer Protection 2007, Criminal Justice Surveillance 2009) to implement EU Directive 2019/1 on competition enforcement.
Birth Information and Tracing Bill 2022
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Adopted persons and those with incorrect birth registrations can access their birth certificates and related information held by authorities.
- Deceased persons' children/relatives may access their birth or adoption records in certain circumstances; a Contact Preference Register lets people manage who can trace them.
- Adoption Authority and Child and Family Agency provide tracing services; records transferred to them; amendments made to succession, civil registration, and adoption laws.
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.
Sex Offenders (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Changes how sex offenders notify authorities; allows gardaí to take fingerprints, palm prints, and photos in certain cases.
- Enables electronic monitoring of certain offenders and allows courts to ban them from working with children and vulnerable persons.
- Permits disclosure and publication of offender information for risk assessment; allows retention of biometric data under Criminal Justice Act 1984.
Planning and Development (Amendment) (Large-scale Residential Development) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates a new planning permission process for large-scale residential developments, streamlining applications for major housing projects.
- Allows local housing strategies to consider owner-occupied housing needs alongside rental housing requirements.
- Removes the old fast-track planning rules for housing from the 2016 Act and enables Supreme Court appeals on certain planning decisions.
Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Changes how easements and profits à prendre (land rights) can be acquired through long-term use over time.
- Removes certain extinguishment rules for easements and profits from the 2009 Act, affecting how these rights end.
- Updates land title registration requirements to reflect new easement and profit acquisition and removal rules.
Garda Síochána (Functions and Operational Areas) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Updates laws to reflect new Garda structure: replaces 'districts' with 'divisions' and 'areas' across relevant legislation.
- Allows some Garda functions to be performed by different ranks; lets inspectors handle tasks previously requiring superintendents.
- Permits sex offender and criminal justice notifications at any Garda station the Commissioner designates, replacing fixed location requirements.
Criminal Justice (Smuggling of Persons) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Creates criminal offences for smuggling people across borders illegally and facilitating unauthorised entry, transit, or residence in Ireland.
- Repeals parts of the 2000 Trafficking Act and amends other laws to align with EU directives and UN protocols on migrant smuggling.
- Enables Irish authorities to cooperate with other countries to prevent and prosecute people-smuggling networks.
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.
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.
Workplace Relations (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Changes who can be appointed as adjudication officers and allows Government to revoke appointments in certain cases.
- Requires Workplace Relations Commission to hold hearings in public, publish decisions, and enforce them only through formal notice.
- Makes Labour Court members independent in performing their duties; amends six employment and equality laws for consistency.
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.
Private Security Services (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Amends the Private Security Services Act 2004 to update rules governing private security workers and their licensing requirements.
- Modifies the Enforcement of Court Orders Act 1926; specific changes not detailed in the title provided.
- Makes related legislative changes; full scope of amendments requires reviewing the enacted bill text.
Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Replaces 1941-2003 compensation system for Gardaí injured in malicious incidents with new public funding arrangement.
- Covers current and former Garda members injured or killed through deliberate acts; repeals outdated 1941 and 1945 Acts.
- Amends Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 and related legislation to support new compensation scheme.
Family Leave and Miscellaneous Provisions Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Joint adoptive parents can now choose which partner takes statutory adoption leave instead of default rules applying.
- Parental leave period extended and timeframe for taking it expanded under the Parent's Leave and Benefit Act 2019.
- Child and Family Agency board size increases to nine members; personal injuries guidelines rules updated for courts.
Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Updates multiple criminal justice laws spanning firearms, drugs, and parole to modernise enforcement and procedures.
- Some amendments apply retrospectively in certain circumstances, affecting cases already decided or sentences already imposed.
- Repeals or amends outdated 19th-century acts (Dublin Police Magistrates 1808, Illicit Distillation 1831, Refreshment Houses 1860).
Criminal Procedure Bill 2021
11 Sep 2024 Enacted
- Introduces preliminary trial hearings for certain criminal offences to clarify issues before trial begins.
- Requires specific information be provided to juries during criminal trials.
- Amends 1967, 1984, and 2010 criminal procedure laws; details of changes not specified in available information.
Courts, Civil Law, Criminal Law and Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2024
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Increases Court of Appeal judges and amends courts legislation; updates immigration, firearms, and criminal justice laws with minor technical changes.
- Allows Ministers to set and adjust retirement ages for public servants (prison officers, civil service, local government, judges) via regulation.
- Modifies superannuation rules for various public service schemes to align with new flexible retirement age provisions.
Coroners (Amendment) Bill 2024
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Allows appointment of multiple coroners in Dublin's coroner district to handle caseload.
- Enables temporary assignment of persons to act as coroners when death numbers or types require it.
- Amends eligibility rules for who can be appointed or remain as coroner or deputy coroner.
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.
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.
Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Human Trafficking) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Changes court procedures for sexual offence trials: how evidence is presented, questions asked, public access, verdicts announced, and protects complainant anonymity.
- Creates operational committee to identify human trafficking victims, provide support services, and protect certain people from deportation.
- Updates laws on child sexual abuse material and trafficking prosecutions to align with international child protection conventions.
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.
Courts Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Increases number of judges across Court of Appeal, High Court, Circuit Court, and District Court to handle more cases.
- Amends three court laws (1961 and 1995 acts) to allow these additional judicial appointments and related administration.
- Adds judges to reduce backlogs and improve case processing across Ireland's four main court levels.
Court Proceedings (Delays) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- People in court cases can seek a declaration if proceedings take unreasonably long, and may claim compensation in certain cases.
- A Chief Court Delays Assessor and Court Delays Assessors will be appointed to review delay complaints and assess compensation claims.
- The Circuit Court can hear applications for delay declarations and compensation under this Act in specified circumstances.
Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Creates new criminal offences for engaging children in illegal activities, with penalties for adults who recruit or direct minors to commit crimes.
- Amends the Bail Act 1997 to adjust bail conditions and procedures for those accused of child exploitation offences.
- Introduces protective measures and related provisions to prevent child involvement in criminal conduct.
Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023
30 Aug 2024 Enacted
- Creates a Board to oversee An Garda Síochána and establishes new oversight bodies: a Police Ombudsman office, a Policing and Community Safety Authority, and an Independent Examiner of Security Legislation.
- Protects the Garda Commissioner's independence in performing duties and sets new procedures for appointing members and staff to An Garda Síochána.
- Establishes community safety partnerships and a National Office for Community Safety to improve public safety through collaboration between government departments, public bodies, and local communities.
Taisceadán (Valuable Property Register) Bill 2019
17 Apr 2023 First Stage Defeated Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire
- Creates Taisceadán, a register of personal property items managed by Irish police to help identify stolen or lost items.
- Supports crime investigation and helps return property to rightful owners through centralized item documentation system.
- Bill was defeated at First Stage; did not progress to further legislative consideration.
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.
Defence Forces (Evidence) Bill 2019
15 Jul 2022 Enacted
- Allows Defence Forces to take bodily samples from military suspects for DNA testing in military law offences.
- Establishes a DNA database for military police to store and compare DNA profiles from suspects, volunteers, and elimination samples.
- Permits sample destruction and database removal in certain circumstances; amends Defence Act 1954 and related legislation.
Counterfeiting Bill 2020
22 Jul 2021 Enacted
- Strengthens criminal penalties for counterfeiting euro and other currencies by implementing EU directives and replacing older counterfeiting laws.
- Establishes rules for checking euro banknotes and coins for authenticity and fitness, including who handles unfit currency.
- Creates two National Analysis Centres (one for notes, one for coins) to test and verify euro currency legitimacy.
Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Bill 2018
1 Jul 2021 Enacted Victor Boyhan
- Creates new criminal offences for perjury, subornation of perjury, false statements, and fabricating evidence.
- Amends existing laws to strengthen penalties and scope of prosecutions for witness dishonesty in court.
- Enables courts to prosecute related offences tied to false evidence and witness tampering.
Personal Insolvency (Amendment) Bill 2020
31 May 2021 Enacted
- Broadens who can access Debt Relief Notices and allows insolvency meetings to happen remotely instead of in person.
- Extends how long Personal Insolvency Arrangements can last and lets other professionals handle some Practitioner tasks.
- Lengthens deadlines for court review of arrangements and allows protective certificates to cover longer periods.
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.
Children (Amendment) Bill 2020
4 May 2021 Enacted Michael McDowell
- Amends Children Act 2001 to restrict publication and broadcasting of reports or pictures that identify or could identify certain children in court proceedings.
- Applies specifically to cases covered by section 252 of the Children Act 2001, affecting how media reports such cases.
- Aims to protect child identity and privacy in legal proceedings through stricter rules on identifying information in reports and broadcasts.
Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) (Amendment) Bill 2020
25 Mar 2021 Enacted
- Updates anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing rules to comply with EU Directive 2018/843, strengthening financial system safeguards.
- Amends the 2010 Act to implement stricter EU standards on preventing criminals and terrorists from using financial institutions.
- Aligns Irish law with updated EU directives on insurance and banking supervision related to financial crime prevention.
Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2020
25 Mar 2021 Enacted
- Implements EU anti-fraud directive into Irish criminal law to protect EU financial interests from fraud.
- Amends the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 and related laws to strengthen fraud offence definitions.
- Specific changes to criminal offences and procedures missing from source; consult enacted text for detailed amendments.