From Department of the Taoiseach
Published on 16 January 2024
Last updated on 16 January 2024
Key legislation being progressed to enhance availability of housing, boost security and safety in our communities and deliver further safety nets for workers
Government Chief Whip, Minister Hildegarde Naughton TD has today published the Spring Legislative Programme which prioritises 46 bills for publication and drafting in the Spring Dáil session. Having received approval from Government this morning (Tuesday), the Government Chief Whip, Minister Hildegarde Naughton has confirmed that 24 bills will be prioritised for publication and 22 bills for drafting in this Dáil session, which lasts for 9 weeks.
In advance of securing Government approval of the Spring Legislative Programme, extensive engagement and consultation took place between the Chief Whip and Government ministers, their departments, and the Office of the Attorney General.
Speaking after the Cabinet meeting this morning (Tuesday), Minister Naughton said:
“Since the formation of this Government in 2020, 183 bills have been published of which 173 have been enacted to date. During this coming Spring Dáil session we will build on this work through the priority publication of 22 pieces of legislation and a further 24 bills for drafting.
“The Spring Legislation Programme marks out a roadmap for an incredibly busy Dáil term for Ministers and Departments with changes afoot to healthcare, access to housing, stronger safer communities and road safety, amongst many other bills.
“Some key measures to ensure continued supply and access to housing will also be progressed.
Minister Naughton
“A key Government priority is ensuring that all members of society are safe on the streets and in their communities. Organised crime often preys on the most vulnerable with the Irish crime market valued at €1.7 billion per annum. This term, Government will prioritise the drafting of the Proceeds of Crime (Amendment) Bill 2024. The Bill, in its current form currently ensures that proceeds of crime be invested in disadvantaged communities to help alleviate the impact of crime and help prevent the reoccurrence of criminal behaviour. The 2024 bill will provide for a reduction in time before disposal orders may be made, appointment of receivers and other enhancements to the confiscation regime.”
Continuing, the Chief Whip said:
“Tragically, we have seen ten lives lost already in 2024. The Road Traffic Measures Bill will be published shortly with a view to reducing the death toll on our roads through the introduction of a number of measures including mandatory roadside drug testing, the reduction of speed limits and reforms to our penalty points system.”
