VoterConnect.ie

We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Back to topics

Immigration & asylum

Follow

10 items

Part of
Justice
Enacted

Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026

A wide-ranging justice and public safety package, this measure would change several criminal and civil law rules at once. It would let prison officers use incapacitant spray in approved circumstances, allow Gardaí to arrest some extradition cases without a warrant, broaden community service orders, tighten handling of counselling records in sexual offence cases, update DNA rules for missing-person cases, create new offences for offering housing in return for sex, and put outdoor seating for pubs on a permanent footing. It also makes a series of smaller changes to court administration, citizenship proof, bail, anti-social behaviour orders, and other justice procedures.
Dáil

Departmental Priorities

The Community Recognition Fund has allocated €100 million to over 1,460 projects, with completion targeted for 2026 and no further allocation planned.
Dáil

International protection and murder investigation

Deputy Nolan linked the killing of Jamey Carney to wider violence against women and asked that international protection rules never hinder Garda action. The Tánaiste expressed sympathy and said Gardaí would pursue justice, with the investigation already under way.
Seanad

Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2022 (Section 9(2)) (Amount of Financial Contribution) Order 2025 (Revocation) Order 2026: Motion

Seanad Éireann considered revoking the 2025 financial contribution order, while an opposition amendment sought tighter means-testing and restrictions on the Accommodation Recognition Payment scheme to avoid further distorting the rental market.
Seanad

Accommodation recognition payment cut

Senator McCarthy warned that reducing the accommodation recognition payment for Ukrainians could have human consequences, noting rising pressure at a homeless café and concern from the Irish Red Cross.
Seanad

Accommodation payment and housing

Senator Andrews proposed an amendment on winding down the accommodation recognition payment scheme, then the exchange broadened into a lengthy row with Senator Fitzpatrick over housing delivery, Glass Bottle, affordable housing and homelessness. The Leas-Chathaoirleach repeatedly intervened on interruptions and speaking time, and the item ended with Andrews confirming the amendment details and a final summer good wish.
Seanad

Order of Business

The Leader outlined the motions due to be taken later, and Senators Fitzpatrick and McDowell criticised aspects of recent public policy and the planning regulations process.
Dáil

Scoileanna Gaeilge agus Gaeltachta

Funding and planning for an Tuairín i mBéal an Daingin school extension remain under review at stage 2b, with no firm timeline yet, while the Department says priority will go to urgent special-education accommodation and other ready projects.
Joint Committee on Children and Equality

Child Protection Matters, Special Care and Special Emergency Care Arrangements: Tusla

Tusla outlined rising demand for child protection services, with almost 6,000 children in care, increasing referrals, and a sharp rise in separated children seeking international protection. It said special emergency arrangements have now been phased out in favour of regulated emergency placements with HIQA oversight, and admitted it cannot yet fully meet its statutory duty on special care because of staffing shortages. Members pressed Tusla on residential placement capacity, use of private providers, security staff in homes, aftercare, and the lack of capital investment in the community and voluntary sector. Tusla said recruitment, training and reform are under way, with a focus on expanding foster care, therapeutic supports and staff numbers.
Seanad

Text scam fraud

Senator Scahill described the rise in scam texts, WhatsApp messages and emails, saying fraud is now affecting a large share of the public.