Enacted 30 July 2026

Planning and Development (Amendment) Bill 2026

Aiming to smooth the switch to Ireland’s new planning system, this measure updates how development plans, regional strategies and local area plans are made and timed, including a move to 10-year city and county plans and clearer rules for key towns. It also speeds up planning appeals and judicial reviews, makes it easier to progress major infrastructure and apartment projects, and tidies up environmental assessment rules and other technical issues. Separately, it raises the Housing Finance Agency’s borrowing limit from €13.5 billion to €15 billion so it can support more housing finance.

Enacted 29 July 2026

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 29 July 2026

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 29 July 2026

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 28 July 2026

Departmental Funding

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

Dáil 28 July 2026

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 28 July 2026

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.

Enacted 22 July 2026

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 22 July 2026

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.

Enacted 21 July 2026

National Treasury Management Agency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026

The measure winds up NAMA and transfers its remaining property, contracts, debts, claims, records and legal responsibilities to the National Treasury Management Agency, so the unfinished work can be brought to a close. It also creates a legal route for any leftover Irish Bank Resolution Corporation liquidation matters to move to the NTMA or one of its subsidiaries, while updating the NTMA’s powers to deal with those assets, make payments, use information, and continue court cases without disruption. It matters because it clears away the last traces of the financial crisis-era bodies and gives one agency the tools to finish the job.

Defeated 24 September 2026

Waste Management (Single Household Waste Collection Service) Bill 2026

A local authority would take a more active role in organising household waste collection, using a competitive tendering system that gives one provider exclusive rights for a set area or period. It would also require an affordable hardship waiver for bin charges and let councils make rules making landlords responsible for ensuring tenants have proper waste collection arrangements. The aim is to make refuse services more consistent, fairer and available across every area.

Current 17 July 2026

Electoral (Postal Voting) (Carers) Bill 2026

The proposal would let more carers register to vote by post, not just people who are ill or disabled. It would extend postal voting to certain carers and related groups, including people getting carer payments or supports, some people receiving domiciliary care allowance, and some families eligible for carer-related tax credits. It matters because it would make it easier for carers to vote without having to leave the person they support on polling day.

Dáil 16 July 2026

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 16 July 2026

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 16 July 2026

Electoral (Postal Voting) (Carers) Bill 2026: First Stage

Deputy Wall introduced a Bill to give family carers eligibility for postal voting, arguing it would improve democratic participation, and the Government did not oppose its first stage.

Dáil 16 July 2026

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 16 July 2026

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.

Joint Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community 16 July 2026

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.

Seanad 16 July 2026

Health (Provision of Contraception Prescribing Service in Retail Pharmacy Businesses) Bill 2026: Second and Subsequent Stages

The Bill will allow pharmacists to prescribe short-acting contraception in defined circumstances, free for women aged 17 to 35 under the free contraception scheme and privately for others, while requiring an initial GP assessment and clinical safeguards. Senators across parties backed the measure as a practical way to improve access, cut costs and free up GP capacity, though several urged extension of the scheme’s age range and attention to pharmacist resourcing. The Seanad agreed to proceed to Committee and subsequent Stages immediately.

Seanad 16 July 2026

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.

COMMITTEE OF PUBLIC ACCOUNTS 16 July 2026

Financial Statements 2024: National Transport Authority (Resumed)

Committee scrutiny centred on the National Train Control Centre traffic management system contract, where Iarnród Éireann and the NTA acknowledged major delays, about €50 million in exposure, and a failed delivery by Indra. Both bodies said the project was originally procured through an open competition and defended the process, but accepted that the outcome was unprecedented and that lessons must be learned, with an independent review due in September. The NTA has now accepted Iarnród Éireann’s decision to move away from Indra on the NTCC system and said an alternative delivery approach is needed. A separate NTA ticketing contract with Indra was said to be on time and on budget, while Iarnród Éireann also noted other rail projects continue to progress.

Seanad 16 July 2026

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 16 July 2026

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 16 July 2026

Local democracy task force

Senator Byrne thanked staff and began raising the local democracy task force.

Seanad 16 July 2026

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 16 July 2026

Small craft registration delays

Senator Boyle raised serious problems with small-craft registration, citing delays, excessive paperwork and rules better suited to commercial vessels.

Seanad 16 July 2026

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.

Seanad 16 July 2026

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 16 July 2026

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 16 July 2026

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 14 July 2026

Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024

The measure would move Microfinance Ireland out from under the Social Finance Foundation and place it under the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. It also sets up a new board and chief executive for the organisation, makes room for pension arrangements for its staff, and cleans up older rules so they match the new ownership and management structure. In practical terms, it changes who controls the small-business loan provider and how it is run.

Defeated 9 July 2026

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 3 July 2026

Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026

Government would be able to label certain projects or programmes as “critical infrastructure” and put them on a faster approval track. Public bodies involved in those approvals would have to cooperate, cut delays, work in parallel where possible, and give these projects priority, while still keeping their existing legal duties and EU obligations. The Minister for Public Expenditure, Infrastructure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation could also direct those bodies on how to carry out their roles, and the Bill would adjust how climate-law rules apply to designated projects.

Enacted 12 June 2026

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.

Dáil 30 April 2026

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 30 April 2026

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.

Enacted 31 March 2026

National Oil Reserves Agency (Amendment) Bill 2026

The National Oil Reserves Agency levy on most petrol and diesel would be cut from 2 cent per litre to a nominal amount from 1 April 2026 to 1 June 2026, with power for the Minister to change that period later by order if needed. The aim is to ease the pressure of rising energy prices, while still allowing the National Oil Reserves Agency to keep operating from its existing reserves. The change is expected to reduce levy income by about €20 million over two months, but it would not cost the Exchequer anything.

Current 27 March 2026

Forty-first Amendment of the Constitution (Right to Housing) Bill 2026

The proposed constitutional change would put a right to adequate housing into the Irish Constitution, recognising that having a home is central to dignity, family life, health and full participation in society. It would require the State, as far as practicable, to protect and uphold that right for every citizen, reflecting the scale of Ireland’s housing and homelessness crisis and the view that housing should be treated as a basic human right.

Current 19 March 2026

Housing Loans Regulations (Fresh Start - Buyout) (Amendment) Bill 2026

The bill would change the housing loan rules so that someone who stays in the family home after a divorce or legal separation can apply to their local authority for a housing loan to buy out their former partner’s share. It matters because it gives people in that situation a way to keep the home without having to leave simply because they cannot get mortgage finance elsewhere.