Autumn legislative programme published

The programme approved by ministers yesterday identifies 51 priority bills for progression in the Dáil session ahead, with 27 bills now prioritised for publication and 24 bills for drafting.

“The autumn legislative programme that I am publishing today demonstrates just how busy ministers and their departments will be in the Dáíl session ahead,” chief whip Hildegarde Naughton said.

The Residential Tenancies (Right to Purchase) Bill 2023 will give renters the first right of refusal to purchase a property when it is put on the market for sale.

The Planning and Development Bill will provide “providing much needed clarity to the current planning code”, she said, while the Land Value Sharing Bill “will allow the State to secure a proportion of the uplift in land values resulting from zoning and designation to facilitate provision of infrastructure”.

There are a number of health commitments including the Health (Assisted Human Reproduction) Bill and a ban on children purchasing vapes. The drafting of a Mental Health Bill updating and replacing the Mental Health Act 2001 to give effect to the recommendations of an expert review group will be prioritised.

Bills for publication by the Department of Justice include the Defamation Bill, the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Agency Bill and Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill.

There will also be progress on the establishment of a statutory Just Transition Commission and legislation establishing a regulatory model for district heating.

The Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth will progress legislation banning conversion therapy practices in Ireland and providing maternity leave for members of the Oireachtas.

Ms Naughton said: “It will certainly be a busy autumn Dáil session with some 51 bills progressing. Of course, it wouldn’t be an autumn session without Budget 2024 and the enactment of the necessary legislation to support households, families and businesses right across the country, while also ensuring that our economy continues to grow.”