Government Chief Whip, Minister Naughton, Publishes Summer Legislative Programme with 53 priority bills due for progression

Bills included for the summer session will see the drafting and publication of legislation which aims to make our streets safer through minimum sentencing and give renters first refusal on buying their home.

Government Chief Whip, Minister Hildegarde Naughton T.D. has today published the Summer Legislative Programme which prioritises 53 bills for publication and drafting in the upcoming 13 week Summer Dáil session. Having received approval from Government today (Tuesday), Minister Naughton has confirmed that 29 bills will be prioritised for publication and 24 bills for drafting in the Dáil session ahead.

Speaking after Cabinet, Minister Naughton said

"since my appointment as Government Chief Whip in December 2022, Government has overseen the enactment and publication of 106 pieces of legislation, all of which contribute towards making life a little bit easier for families, for workers, for farmers and for society as a whole. I look forward to building on this momentum in the weeks and months ahead in facilitating the delivery of our new Legislation Programme and will continue to work closely with Ministers, Departments and legal drafters in achieving just that.

Minister Naughton continued

"Every week over 500 people get the keys to their very first home. We are working to build on this progress in the upcoming legislation programme which will include the publication of the Residential Tenancies (Right to Purchase) Bill, allowing tenants in rental properties a first right of refusal to purchase a property when it is put forward for sale.

"We also want to continue to ensure that work pays; that's why in this Dáil session Government will publish the Social Welfare (Pay-Related Social Insurance and Jobseeker's Pay-Related Benefit Provisions) Bill. These measures will see higher benefits to those who have a strong work history if they find themselves out of work.

"Work is also underway on drafting the Life Sentences Bill which will go a long way towards keeping our streets safe. This important Bill will allow judges to recommend a minimum period to be served in custody before a person is released on parole.

"Separately, the Registration of Short-Term Tourist Letting Bill will be prioritised for drafting in the weeks and months ahead. This will provide for new regulatory controls requiring short-term and holiday lets to register with Fáilte Ireland with a view to ensuring that houses are used to best effect in areas of housing need."

Concluding, Minister Naughton said

"Amongst others, some of our key achievements in the Dáil session just passed include the publication of legislation which will provide for the establishment of an Auto Enrolment Scheme. A first for Ireland, this will see that over 800,000 of our workers, and particularly our young people, are protected when it comes to reaching their retirement years. Separately, we saw the quick publication of the Road Traffic Measures Bill which has progressed through the Houses of the Oireachtas and is currently with the President for his signature. Any loss of life to our roads is one too many and Government is leaving no stone unturned when it comes to protecting pedestrians, cyclists and drivers who use our network of roads."

In advance of securing Government approval of the Summer Legislative Programme, extensive engagement and consultation took place between the Chief Whip and Government ministers, their departments, and the Office of the Attorney General.

ENDS