Dáil Me In!
Oireachtas Preview | June 23rd – 25th
This week in Dáil Éireann, TDs will debate everything from the Dublin Airport passenger cap and the regulation of AI to ongoing pressures in dental care, defective housing and Ireland’s energy security.
The Dáil will also hear statements on Pride ahead of the festival later this week!
In the committees, two reports will be launched; one on Drug Use and the other on Matters Relating to Transport, Energy and Housing Delivery. Also keep an eye on the Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade where the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026 will be debated throughout the week.
Again, it’s matters not on the agenda which may come to dominate, obviously the resignation of British Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, is a notable development in the world of politics, and the triple lock debate is bubbling away, it could cause a headache for Taoiseach Micheál Martin as there is unrest amongst some backbenchers.
Read on for a detailed look at what’s coming up this week!
🗓️Tuesday 23rd June
📢Motion re Proposed Approval by Dáil Éireann of the Data Protection Act 2018 under (Section 60(6)) and (Section 51(3)) Regulations 2026
The Dáil approved two regulations under the Data Protection Act 2018 to provide a legal framework for the processing of sensitive personal data as part of the Government’s Scoping Exercise in Response to Requests from Dignity4Patients on behalf of victims and survivors of Michael Shine. These measures, which now require approval by both Houses of the Oireachtas, permit the handling of special-category and criminal-conviction data where necessary for the exercise and allow limited restrictions on certain data-subject rights in the public interest. The motion was taken without debate and represents a targeted application of data protection law to facilitate the scoping exercise rather than any broader change to Ireland’s data protection regime.
📢Dublin Airport (Passenger Capacity) Bill 2026
It’s been a long time in play but this bill is now entering debate stage. It’s the Government’s latest attempt to deal with the long-running row over Dublin Airport’s 32 million passenger cap. The Bill would give the Minister for Transport the power to amend or remove the cap, subject to environmental assessments, with the aim of boosting connectivity and economic growth. Supporters argue the cap is an outdated constraint on Ireland’s main international gateway, while critics warn that lifting it could sideline local concerns around noise and climate impacts. With passenger numbers already exceeding the cap in recent years, the legislation is shaping up to be one of the more closely watched transport debates of 2026.
📢Motion re Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009
This relates to extending powers aimed at tackling organised crime and gang activity. While it may sound technical, the annual motion is essentially a check-in on whether the State still needs certain measures, including the use of the Special Criminal Court for offences linked to criminal organisations. The Government argues these powers remain an important tool in disrupting organised crime groups, while critics continue to raise concerns about relying on emergency-style measures over the long term.
📢Motion re Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998
This legislation gives An Garda Síochána and the courts additional powers to deal with terrorism and threats to the security of the State, and must be renewed regularly by the Oireachtas. Supporters say the measures remain a necessary safeguard in an increasingly uncertain security environment, while critics question whether powers introduced in response to past threats should continue indefinitely. This year’s vote was less about changing the law and more about deciding that the existing powers should remain on the books for another year.
📢Motion re Dental and Orthodontic Services
This is a Sinn Féin motion which aims to put the spotlight on growing pressures in dental and orthodontic services, arguing that long waiting lists and difficulties accessing treatment are leaving many children and families in limbo. The motion is calling for greater investment in public dental services, faster access to orthodontic care and a plan to tackle staffing shortages across the system.
📢Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Children, Disability and Equality
Minister Norma Foley will take questions here which will be wide ranging across her brief. In terms of what may be topical, with the UK making the decision to ban social media for under 16’s, the Minister may be questioned on whether there are plans for Ireland to follow suit, also the ongoing issues withing TUSLA and the child care system.
🗓️Wednesday 24th June
📢Motion re State Responsibility for Foundation Retention Risk in Defective Concrete Homes
The Independent and Parties Technical Group will put down this motion to keep pressure on the Government over the defective concrete homes crisis, focusing in particular on the question of who should bear the risk if foundations are retained during remediation works. TDs argued that homeowners should not be left exposed to future structural problems or financial liabilities where remediation decisions are made under a State-backed scheme. The debate centred on accountability, with calls for the Government to provide greater certainty and guarantees for affected homeowners. While technical in nature, the motion touched on a broader issue that has become a recurring theme in the defective blocks saga: how to ensure homeowners are fully protected from the consequences of a crisis they did not create.
📢Statements on Pride
The Dáil will mark Pride with a series of statements reflecting on the progress made in advancing LGBTQ+ rights in Ireland, while also acknowledging the challenges that remain. TDs from across the political spectrum will contribute to the statements. The statements will serve as both a celebration of how far Ireland has come and a reminder that the conversation around equality is far from over.
📢Regulation of Artificial Intelligence Bill 2026
This bill is now in debate stage and is putting the fast-moving world of AI firmly on the political agenda. The Bill looks at how Ireland should manage the opportunities and risks that come with artificial intelligence, from innovation and economic growth to issues around privacy, transparency and accountability. Supporters argue that clear rules are needed to make sure AI develops safely and responsibly, while others warned against creating barriers that could slow down investment and technological progress. With AI becoming a bigger part of everyday life and business, the debate showed that policymakers are now grappling with how best to balance innovation with proper safeguards.
📢The Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) (Amendment) Bill 2026
This bill has reached its Report and Final Stages, continuing the push for tighter controls around tobacco and nicotine products. The Bill focuses on strengthening rules around these products, with the aim of reducing uptake, particularly among younger people, and supporting wider public health goals. Supporters say stronger regulation is needed as vaping and newer nicotine products become more common, while critics continue to debate how far restrictions should go and what impact they may have on consumers and businesses.
📢The National Treasury Management Agency (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026
This bill is also entering Report and Final Stages in the Dáil this week, wrapping up a piece of legislation focused on updating and tightening the NTMA’s legal and operational framework. The Bill deals with a range of technical but important governance issues, including clarifying certain functions of the Agency and strengthening oversight arrangements for how it manages State assets and liabilities. While it may not be the most headline-grabbing legislation, supporters argue it’s about keeping Ireland’s financial management structures fit for purpose and in line with modern requirements. In short, it’s one of those bills that quietly does the institutional housekeeping behind the scenes of the public finances.
🗓️Thursday 25th June
📢Parliamentary Questions to Tánaiste and Minister for Finance
Tánaiste Simon Harris will take questions here which will be varied and wide ranging. There has been a lot of kite flying around the budget as negotiations continue so we can expect some scrutiny around that, also recent comments relating to The Fine Gael "United Ireland Blueprint” might also get some attention.
📢Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage
The Housing Minister James Browne will continue to face intense questioning on measures to combat the housing crisis and rising levels of homelessness. The Minister recently announced a new short-term lets bill, if passed it means anyone letting a property for short-term stays will have to get planning permission and register with Fáilte Ireland. So, expect scrutiny around this.
📢Development (Strategic Gas Reserve) Bill 2026
This Bill is in second stage and looks at establishing a strategic gas reserve framework to help protect against potential supply disruptions and strengthen the State’s ability to respond during periods of uncertainty. Supporters argue that having a secure backup supply is an important part of keeping homes and businesses powered, while others questioned the balance between energy security, climate commitments and the move towards cleaner energy. The debate highlighted the challenge facing policymakers: keeping the lights on today while planning for a very different energy future.
📢The Civil Liability (Child Sexual Abuse Proceedings Against Unincorporated Bodies of Persons) Bill 2025
This bill is at its Second Stage debate, focusing on how survivors of child sexual abuse can seek accountability through the courts. The Bill aims to address a legal gap around pursuing civil claims against certain unincorporated organisations, making it easier for survivors to take action where responsibility may otherwise be difficult to establish. TDs broadly recognised the importance of ensuring survivors have access to justice, while the debate will also touch on the wider issues of institutional responsibility and the need for the legal system to properly reflect the experiences of those affected.
Seanad Spotlight 🔦
In the Upper House this week a number Bills will be debated including the Crimial Justice (Terrorist Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Garda Síochána (Recording Devices)(Amendment) Bill 2025, the Health (Amendment) (Home Supprot Providers) Bill 2025, the Guardianship of Infants and Child Care (Amendment) Bill 2026, the Criminal Justice (International Cooperation on Electronic Evidence and Other Matters) Bill 2026, the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026, the Insurance (Disregard of Certain Medical History and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2025, and the Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026.
A motion re a visitor levy on paid overnight accommodation will also be up for discussion, and there’ll be motions re the continuance in operation of sections 2 to 4, 6 to 12, 14 and 17 of the Offences Against the State (Amendment) Act 1998 and section 8 of the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act 2009.
Oireachtas Committees - Ones to Watch! 👀
🗓️Tuesday
· Reps from the Before We Die Campaign will appear before the Committee on Public Petitions and the Ombudsmen.
· Aquaculture and Water Quality will be up for discussion at the Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs.
· Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage will discuss drinking and wastewater quality with a number of parties including the HSE.
🗓️Wednesday
· The Committee on Drugs will launch their Drugs Use Report.
· SMR (Small Modular Reactor) Technology in Ireland will be discussed at the Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy.
· Recent significant developments and issues in relation to health services will be discussed at the Health Committee with HSE and Department reps in attendance.
· Breaking Barriers-Disability and financial inclusion will be discussed at the Committee on Disability Matters.
· Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development will discuss Pathways to Inclusive Employment – Workability Programmes
· Minister Seán Canney, Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Department of Transport will appear before the Transport Committee.
· The CEO, of Play Activity and Leisure Ireland will give evidence to the Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment in relation to competitiveness and the cost of doing business in Ireland.
· The National Parents Council and Save Our SNA’s will appear before the Committee on Education and Youth.
· Spaces and infrastructure for artists will be discussed at Committee on Arts, Media, Communications, Culture and Sport.
· Consumer impact on the emergence of buy now pay later companies and their operations providing credit within the Irish Market will be the topic of discussion at Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach.
· The Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery will deliver a Report on Matters Relating to Transport, Energy and Housing Delivery.
· Priorities of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union will be discussed at the Committee on European Union Affairs with Minister Thomas Byrne in attendance.
· Growing Media Ireland will appear before the Committee on Agriculture and Food
🗓️Thursday
· Beaumont Hospital and the HSE will appear before the Public Accounts Committee.
· Sexual Violence and Harassment Policies and Procedures in Higher Education Institutions will be discussed at the Committee on Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science.
· Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade will discuss the Israeli Settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Prohibition of Importation of Goods) Bill 2026.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay strategic.
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