Facial recognition and cyber security bills in autumn legislative programme

Jim O'Callaghan

This autumn’s programme sees 34 bills prioritised for publication, including the annual finance and social welfare bills, 33 bills prioritised for drafting, and 74 additional bills listed under “all other legislation”.

There are currently 16 bills before the Dáil and Seanad. Some 13 bills have been published since the government took office at the end of January 2025, and 10 bills have been enacted in the same period.

Government chief whip Mary Butler said: “This programme reflects the government’s determination to deliver meaningful legislative reform across a wide range of areas — from housing and health to climate action, justice, and digital innovation.

“The scale and breadth of the programme demonstrates our commitment to progressing a range of priorities and responding to the evolving needs of our society.”

Among the legislation scheduled for publication this session are the

• Public Health (Single-Use Vapes) Bill – to prohibit the sale of single-use vapes;
• Media Regulation Bill – to implement the European Media Freedom Act;
• Defence (Amendment) Bill – to reform the ‘Triple Lock’ and enhance Defence Forces governance;
• Israeli Settlements (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill – to deliver on a programme for government commitment to prohibit the importation of goods from the occupied Palestinian territories;
• National Cyber Security Bill – to strengthen Ireland’s cyber resilience;
• Residential Tenancies (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill – to enhance rent regulation and tenancy protections.

Ms Butler said: “This programme reflects a whole-of-government effort. From housing and education to justice and disability, ministers are stepping up to deliver legislation that will make a real difference in people’s lives.”

She added: “The publication of this programme is important in ensuring we legislate to provide better services for everyone.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues across government and the Oireachtas to advance this important work.

“I would also like to thank officials in my office, all government ministers and their officials, the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel for their assistance in preparing the programme.”