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

Places

Follow

58 items

Narrower topics
GaeltachtNorthern IrelandCountiesEuropeMiddle EastUnited States of AmericaCanadaChileRural
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.
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

Údarás na Gaeltachta (Amendment) Bill 2024

Údarás na Gaeltachta’s board would be reshaped so that most members are elected, with the rest appointed by the Minister, and all members would need enough Irish to do the job. The measure also creates regional committees to strengthen links with Gaeltacht communities, gives the agency an explicit power to transfer land for housing in the Gaeltacht, and updates the rules for its elections and related language laws. It also broadens the rules on Gaeltacht service towns so places within 30 kilometres of a language-planning area can be included.
Dáil

Departmental Funding

LEADER funding totals €250 million for 2021-2027, with Local Action Group project approvals by category and county published online.
Dáil

Community Development Projects

The Minister directed the Deputy to departmental website tables detailing scheme funding approved for each local authority over the past decade.
Dáil

Departmental Priorities

Social enterprises in Louth can access supports through the LDC network, Dormant Accounts Fund, SICAP, LEADER, the Community Services Programme, Town and Village Renewal Scheme, Local Enterprise Offices and Department of Social Protection schemes. The Minister also highlighted procurement supports and the National Enterprise Hub, with applications for a new CSP intake under assessment.
Dáil

Departmental Priorities

The Minister outlined CLÁR, Town and Village Renewal and LEADER funding for community gardens and allotments, noting applications are closed and calls are planned.
Dáil

Education and Training Provision

Údarás na Gaeltachta is assessing tenders for a planned state-of-the-art multipurpose educational facility; details remain confidential to protect the process.
Enacted

Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026

The legislation would create a special fast-track process for a strategic gas reserve near Cahiracon, Co. Clare, so the Minister can approve it directly to help protect Ireland’s energy supply in an emergency. It would set out public consultation, environmental checks, and a decision process with the planning rules normally used for major projects set aside for this one project, while still requiring environmental assessment and allowing court challenges. It matters because it is meant to speed up a potentially important energy-security project, but it also raises the stakes for how environmental concerns and public input are handled.
Enacted

Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026

The bill would ban goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory from being imported into Ireland, and make doing so an offence under customs law. It also lets the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade name the relevant postal codes, with some goods from mixed-area postcodes able to be checked for exemption if they are proven to come from the Israeli part. It matters because it is meant to align Irish trade rules with international legal obligations and to back enforcement through customs powers, searches, seizures and appeals.
Current

Railway Safety Bill 2026

The Railway Safety Bill 2026 would put the Railway Accident Investigation Unit on a permanent legal footing and allow it to investigate accidents and incidents across all types of railway, including Luas, metro and heritage railways. It would also strengthen rules for safety-critical railway workers by lowering alcohol limits, introducing drug testing and updating Garda powers and procedures, while making related changes to the Medical Bureau of Road Safety’s records.
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.
Enacted

Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026

The bill would give the Transport Minister power to lift or change the passenger limit at Dublin Airport if it is judged to be harming the economy, air links or Ireland’s reputation, while still requiring environmental checks first. It lets daa ask for that change, requires An Coimisiún Pleanála to assess possible impacts on the environment and protected habitats, and allows public submissions before any order is made. It also blocks future local planning bodies from reimposing a passenger cap, while keeping noise-related flight limits and related planning protections separate.
Dáil

Waste Management (Single Household Waste Collection Service) Bill 2026: Second Stage [Private Members]

The Bill sought to let local authorities appoint a single household waste operator, set franchise terms, require landlords to ensure waste contracts, and provide hardship waivers. Labour, Sinn Féin, the Social Democrats, the Greens and some independents backed it, arguing the current privatised system is costly, dysfunctional and worsens dumping, congestion and poor service in dense urban areas. The Minister of State opposed it, saying Government is already carrying out an independent feasibility study on franchise models and that major reform should wait for evidence-based review. The Bill did not get Government support at Second Stage.
Dáil

Strategic Infrastructure

Swords’ rapid housing growth is being outpaced by transport, wastewater and community infrastructure, with calls for stronger co-ordination, while Government says major projects and funding are already under way to support sustainable development.
Dáil

Schools Building Projects

Bunclody Community College’s long-delayed redevelopment, still at stage 2b with most classrooms in prefabs and a split campus, drew calls for urgent action, but the Minister offered no timeline beyond ongoing review and future prioritisation.
Dáil

Fiscal Implications of a United Ireland: Statements (Resumed)

The Minister of State backed Irish unity in principle, stressing that it must be consensual, inclusive and carefully planned, with unanswered fiscal questions on services, taxes and pensions requiring transparent preparation.
Dáil

Fiscal Implications of a United Ireland: Statements

The statements focused on the fiscal implications of Irish unity, with broad agreement that the issue should be examined through evidence, planning and respect for the Good Friday Agreement and the principle of consent. The Minister for Finance argued that no single headline cost can capture the complexity, noting studies range from a modest initial deficit to much higher estimates, but also stressing that unity could create major long-term economic gains through a larger all-island market, EU access and better infrastructure. Opposition and Government speakers largely backed this framing, saying partition itself has imposed real economic costs and that preparations should begin now for health, pensions, taxation, transport, education and public services. The overall position was that reunification would involve significant upfront costs, but also substantial opportunities that must be assessed honestly and in detail.
Dáil

Luas extension for Dunsink

Deputy O'Gorman argued that a Luas green line extension is essential to support planned housing at Dunsink. The Tánaiste said he would raise the case with the Transport Minister and look at possible capital funding routes.
Dáil

Dublin Fire Brigade response framework

Deputy Hearne raised concerns about threats to Dublin Fire Brigade's emergency response framework and asked for Government engagement. The Tánaiste said he would ask the Minister to engage with the relevant bodies and report back.
Dáil

Ulm five trial monitoring

Deputy Coppinger said there was no official record of the Ulm five trial and asked the Government to ensure oversight. The Tánaiste said he would make inquiries and ask the relevant Minister to reply.
Dáil

Criminal legal aid reforms

Deputy Whitmore argued that recent legal aid reforms were ill-considered and were causing court delays and refusals by solicitors to do free legal aid work. The Tánaiste defended the changes, saying fees were being increased and reform was necessary, while both sides sparred over evidence and political criticism.
Dáil

Domestic abuse refuge in Portlaoise

Deputy Stanley urged urgent capital funding to open an eight-unit refuge, citing escalating domestic abuse and multiple women killed. The Tánaiste backed the need for action and said domestic, sexual and gender-based violence must have full attention.
Dáil

CAMHS response for Offaly teenager

Deputy Nolan raises an urgent case of a distressed teenager in Offaly awaiting CAMHS support, and the Tánaiste says the Minister of State will engage with the HSE and the system must better handle complex cases.
Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community

Traveller Accommodation: Discussion (Resumed)

Witnesses said Traveller accommodation in Wexford is undermined by poor reporting, weak consultation and a largely ineffective LTACC. They called for stronger national oversight, an independent or longer-term chair, mandatory regular meetings, proper agendas and minutes, and real accountability for delivery and spending. Personal testimony highlighted homelessness, overcrowding, cultural needs around family living and mobility, and the failure of choice-based letting to work for many Travellers, especially older people and those with literacy or digital access difficulties. Members broadly accepted that the current system is too fragmented and that the LTACC needs structural reform rather than more empty consultation.
Dáil

Aughinish Alumina and Russia

Cian O'Callaghan accused the Government of fudging the Aughinish Alumina report and allowing exports that may feed Russia’s war machine. The Tánaiste restated Ireland’s support for Ukraine and argued the facts should first be established and sent to the European Commission.
Dáil

Defence Forces

Minister McEntee said the Lebanon appeal over Private Seán Rooney’s death remains unresolved, but the Delaney inquiry report will be released confidentially to his family soon while she continues pressing for justice.
Dáil

EU Presidency

During Ireland’s EU Presidency, the Minister said security is led by An Garda Síochána with Defence Forces support on request, backed by a joint task force and existing co-operation with the UK, France and EU partners. She pointed to growing focus on maritime, cyber and critical infrastructure threats, with radar and sonar capabilities being developed, including a radar picture by 2028.
Dáil

Defence Forces

The Minister reported modest recruitment growth to 7,823 personnel, 289 inductions so far in 2025 and 16,510 applications, while pledging further investment in housing, pensions, equipment and infrastructure, including the Curragh.
Seanad

Taxi shortages in rural Ireland

Senator Gallagher warned that falling taxi numbers are harming rural Ireland economically and socially, especially in Border counties. Senator Andrews and Gallagher briefly interjected with lighter remarks before the point concluded.
Seanad

Assessment of need delays

Senator O'Reilly backed Senator Harmon and described the crisis in assessments of need for families in Cavan and Monaghan, where a child was left waiting despite an early intervention preschool place.
Seanad

Bessborough site

Senator Harmon urged action on Bessborough in Cork, including possible negotiation, compulsory purchase, publication of burial records and an inquest. Senators Higgins and O'Reilly voiced support.
Seanad

Animal euthanasia regulations

Senator Brady called for stronger rules governing the euthanising of animals after reports from farms in Roscommon and Clare.
Seanad

Bowel cancer waiting times

Senator Nelson Murray highlighted bowel cancer waiting times, saying the target is 28 days and contrasting national concern with strong recent performance in Navan.
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

Bus Services

Senator Ryan criticised repeated delays to BusConnects Limerick, saying residents want delivery rather than more plans and seeking a clear start date. The Minister of State said the new network is progressing, with 61 electric buses already in service and further implementation details due later this year, while promising to raise the Senator’s concerns with the Minister.
Dáil

Schools Refurbishment

The Minister outlined climate-action school refurbishment funding, with 297 projects approved and the next tranche due October 2026, while promising to follow up on Thurles and Nenagh school applications.
Seanad

Road Projects

Senator Costello criticised DMURS-led road narrowing and parking removals in Tallaght as causing congestion and accessibility problems, while the Government said DMURS is a living document and promised a broader review and consultation, including disability input.
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.
Dáil

Schools Building Projects

Dublin Mid-West school building projects were reviewed, with Scoil Chrónáin’s tender progressing, Lucan Community College phases advancing, and the Department promising future prioritisation for urgent, overcrowded and condition-affected schools.
Seanad

School Accommodation

Coláiste Daibhéid’s urgent accommodation project remains in the ASA pipeline under review, with roof-leak safety concerns acknowledged, but no firm delivery date given beyond prioritisation in 2026-27 and possible tendering thereafter.
Dáil

Educational Disadvantage

The issue was whether Sacred Heart school, Granard, should be included in DEIS plus despite exclusion from the initial list, with the Minister insisting the appeal is limited to national enrolment-data checks and will be decided shortly.
COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS

Business of Committee

The committee welcomed new member Deputy Martin Daly, agreed the minutes, and noted several accounts and correspondence. It highlighted serious issues in the Tusla accounts over non-compliant procurement and the ISIF loss of €2.5 million from a fraud, and agreed to write for further detail on both. Members were highly critical of IFI’s spend of over €70,000, excluding VAT, on media-training and legal preparation for a PAC appearance, and agreed to seek wider information from Departments and agencies on pre-hearing training costs. The committee also published its interim report on the national children’s science centre, calling for urgent Government intervention and no further public funding until a full review is done.
Enacted

Criminal Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025

Tightens Ireland’s terrorism laws so they fully match an EU rulebook on combating terrorism. It adds offences for receiving terror training, travelling for terrorism, and helping others travel for terrorism, and it also broadens rules on public incitement and certain cyber-related offences when they are connected to terrorism. It sets penalties of up to 10 years’ imprisonment on conviction and makes attacks on children an aggravating factor in some terrorism-related sentencing.
Current

Defence (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2026

The proposal would stop U.S. military aircraft, and civilian aircraft carrying weapons or ammunition, from landing in Ireland, except when they are involved in searching for a plane in distress or rescuing survivors of an air accident. The explanatory note on page 1 says “munitions of war” includes weapons, ammunition and their parts, and that the measure would take effect within 90 days of being signed into law.
Defeated

Planning for Constitutional Change Bill 2026

Aimed at planning for the possibility of Irish constitutional change and eventual reunification, the measure would require the Taoiseach to publish a Green Paper setting out possible policy questions and options, after consulting widely with parties, civil society, experts and, in particular, unionist and Protestant communities. It would also set up a Citizens’ Assembly to examine the issues, and require regular reports to the Oireachtas on progress. The point is to create an official, structured public discussion before any future change.
Enacted

Arbitration (Amendment) Bill 2025

The bill would update Ireland’s arbitration law so the State can give legal effect to certain international investment agreements, including the EU’s trade deals with Canada and Chile and any similar agreements later named by ministerial order. It would allow arbitration awards made under those agreements to be enforced in Ireland through the High Court, while blocking enforcement where it would clash with Ireland’s constitutional order or the EU legal order. It also sets limits on appeals and gives the Oireachtas a chance to review any future orders.
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.
Enacted

International Co-operation (Omagh Bombing Inquiry) Bill 2026

Permits evidence to be taken in Ireland for the Omagh Bombing Inquiry in the UK from current and former Garda members, Defence Forces members, certain civil servants, and former ministers, where they have relevant information and agree to take part if required. It sets up a process where a High Court judge hears the evidence, with the Inquiry able to ask follow-up questions, while protecting witnesses and allowing refusals where security, investigations, or official functions would be affected. It matters because it gives the Irish State a clearer legal way to help the inquiry investigate whether the 1998 Omagh bombing could have been prevented.
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

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.
Seanad

Business grants for security surveillance

After another visitor welcome, Senator Davitt suggested that rather than only expanding surveillance, businesses with suitable shopfronts should be supported by grants to improve security.
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.
Seanad

Daniel Tatlow-Devally detention

Senator Stephenson called attention to the prolonged pretrial detention and restricted legal access of Irish citizen Daniel Tatlow-Devally in Stuttgart.
Seanad

Cavan hospital child care

Senator Tully raised a 12-year-old boy's delayed treatment in Cavan General Hospital and alleged that no doctor came despite repeated calls overnight.
Dáil

Social Welfare Benefits

Cork urgent needs payments rose slightly in early 2026 versus 2025, but Thomas Gould argued the scheme is underused amid rising energy and living costs, while Dara Calleary said supports like fuel allowance and additional needs payments remain available.
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.