Government Chief Whip, Minister of State Mary Butler publishes Spring Legislative Programme

• programme includes a range of legislation highlighted in the programme for Government, including supplementary legislation on Assisted Human Reproduction and changes to the Ethics in Public Office legislation
• a total of 21 Bills have been prioritised for publication and 29 Bills for drafting in the current Dáil session
• programme is the first agenda of legislative intent by the new Government, with further commitments in the programme for Government to be prioritised in subsequent programmes

Government Chief Whip, Minister of State Mary Butler has today published the Spring Legislative Programme following approval by Government earlier today. The current Dáil session of 13 weeks is the first of the new government. Minister of State Butler has confirmed that 21 Bills have been prioritised for publication, and a further 29 Bills have been scheduled for drafting.

Speaking following securing agreement for the programme at Cabinet, Minister of

State Butler said:

“I am pleased that Cabinet has agreed today to the first legislative programme of the new government. It is important that we get down to work on delivering some of the commitments outlined in the Programme for Government – Securing Ireland’s Future.

“Coupled with the restoration of a number of pieces of legislation onto the Dáil order paper, we can now begin to address some of the immediate challenges faced by the country over the coming years.

“Important legislation around updating employment and equality acts, the national cybersecurity bill, licensing of professional home support providers and legislation on housing are all prioritised.

“This government is also prioritising legislation to tackle access to vaping products and criminal justice legislation.

“A new International Protection Bill is also prioritised for this session. I am determined to work with each Minister and their departments in the coming months to ensure that legislation progresses, and that further Programme for government commitments, are also prioritised.

“I am confident this government will continue to outline an ambitious legislative agenda over the next five years to continue to develop our economy, make our streets safer, regenerate society, and deliver important public services for all the population.”