The latest Statute Law Revision Bill will see the assessment of further pre-independence secondary legislation, building upon the clarity brought by the Statute Law Revision Acts enacted between 2005 and 2016.

The previous Acts reviewed all primary legislation enacted prior to 1950 and repealed those which were spent or obsolete, as well as all secondary legislation up to 1820.

The new bill will continue the review work for a further 40 years to cover secondary instruments up to 1860 and will be followed by further measures in a comprehensive programme to bring the statute book entirely up to date.

The period from 1820 to 1860 spans the Tithe War, Catholic emancipation and the Great Famine.

Public expenditure and reform minister Michael McGrath said: “I am pleased that the government has approved my legislative proposals to continue with our task of simplifying the statute book and improving its accessibility.

“This Statute Law Revision Bill will further reduce the outdated and unnecessary legislation cluttering our statute book and pave the way for further modernisation measures.

“This is a mammoth undertaking to ensure that we have a fit for purpose statute book on which further necessary reforms can be based.

“A lengthy consultation period took place in 2021 whereby all government departments, bodies and other stakeholders potentially impacted by the instruments identified were consulted to fully understand the implications of the proposed retentions or revocations.

“This was followed up by a public consultation this year and I would like to thank all those who have participated enthusiastically in this process. 100 years since Ireland’s Independence, this is ongoing and important work.”