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BroadbandMediaArtificial intelligenceData protectionPostOnline safety
Enacted

Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026

Ireland would create a national AI regulator called Oifig IS na hÉireann, and set out how it would oversee artificial intelligence under the EU’s new AI rules. It would give the office powers to coordinate regulators, keep an AI register, run sandboxes for testing new systems, handle complaints, and work on data protection and information sharing. It also sets out how breaches can be investigated, stopped, penalised and appealed, and updates existing laws so the Central Bank, the communications regulator and the consumer watchdog can help enforce the rules.
Enacted

Postal and Telecommunications Services (Amendment) Bill 2026

Provides a legal basis for giving An Post an extra €75 million over five years, from 2026 to 2030, to help keep the nationwide post office network going. The money would be paid at €15 million a year from the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport’s existing funds, replacing the previous support scheme that ended in 2025. It matters because it helps protect postal services in towns and rural areas across the country.
Enacted

Garda Síochána (Recording Devices) (Amendment) Bill 2025

The measure would let Gardaí use biometric analysis on recordings, images and similar material to help identify people, but only in limited cases such as serious offences, missing persons cases, or protecting State security. It would also require detailed rules on how the technology is used, including checks on privacy and human-rights impacts, consultation with oversight bodies, approval by the Oireachtas, and annual reporting by a High Court judge. That matters because it gives Gardaí a new investigative tool while trying to put strong controls around a powerful and sensitive technology.
Enacted

Criminal Justice (International Cooperation on Electronic Evidence and Other Matters) Bill 2026

Creates a new Office of the Director of Criminal Justice International Cooperation to handle cooperation with other countries and EU states on getting electronic evidence for criminal cases. It would require online service providers to have a designated contact point or legal representative in place, give the new office power to monitor compliance, inspect records and impose financial penalties for failures, and take over the role of checking some terrorist-content removal orders. It matters because it is meant to speed up access to digital evidence across borders while giving Ireland a system to enforce these rules.
Dáil

Suicide-promoting online forums

Deputy Clarke asked for immediate co-ordinated enforcement against online platforms that encourage suicide. The Tánaiste said he would speak to the Minister and Coimisiún na Meán and identify what action can be taken, including involving other Departments.
Dáil

Alleged fraud in online safety company

Deputy Lawless outlined allegations of fraud, unpaid wages and falsified contracts involving an Irish child-safety company. The Tánaiste declined to comment further because of the apparent Garda investigation.
Current

Protection of Children (Online Age Verification) Bill 2026

Aimed at child protection, the proposal would make websites, app stores and online services that host or generate pornographic content block access in Ireland unless the user first passes an age check. It also lets the Minister set acceptable ID documents, allows age checks to be done by approved third parties, and creates offences and penalties for non-compliance, including fines and prison terms.
Current

Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026

The measure tightens rules on nicotine products, especially vapes and similar items, by controlling how they look and are packaged, limiting the flavour names they can use, and restricting where they can be advertised or displayed. It also makes it an offence to sell nicotine consumption products to children, extends enforcement powers to cover these products, and adds stronger tools for inspections, notices, seizures and penalties.
Current

Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026

The Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026 would create a single, updated framework for Garda stop-and-search powers, premises searches and access to data on phones, computers and other electronic systems. It would require clearer reasons and records for searches, court approval for accessing seized devices, protections for legally privileged material, and new urgent-search procedures. People in Garda custody would generally have the right to consult a solicitor before questioning and have one present, while serious-offence interviews would be electronically recorded. The measures aim to make investigations more effective while strengthening safeguards and accountability.
Seanad

Responses to raised issues

Senator O'Reilly replied to earlier speakers on acquired brain injury, delays in energy support and other matters, agreeing that services and responses need improvement. The Chair corrected him for skipping Senator Scahill, who had raised the fraud issue.
Seanad

Surrogacy and child welfare

Senator O'Reilly warned that further surrogacy legislation is being advanced without enough regard for children's long-term welfare, and argued commercial surrogacy commodifies children and exploits women. Senator Keogan interjected briefly in support.
Seanad

FTD brothers fundraiser

The Chair welcomed students to the Gallery, and Senator Costello and Senator Nelson Murray praised the Adams brothers' marathon challenge to raise awareness and funds for frontotemporal dementia. Senator Nelson Murray also began to mention Navan rail at the end of her contribution.
Dáil

Rail Network

Deputy Pa Daly criticised major cost overruns and delays in the rail traffic management system and ticketing projects, while the Minister of State said progress is slow but the Government is engaged, safety is unaffected, and delivery remains a flagship priority.
Dáil

Public Services Card

Concerns over expanding the public services card into a digital ID and wallet centre on data protection, trust and coercion, while the Minister insists the system will remain voluntary and user-controlled under EU eIDAS rules.