Dáil Me In!
Oireachtas Preview | 16th – 18th June
A busy week ahead in Dáil Éireann!
However, it may be what’s not on the formal schedule that will draw most attention. We’re firmly in Budget “kite-flying” season, so expect plenty of political signalling and questioning around measures like the proposed new derelict property tax and those supports being floated by Minister Jack Chambers to help cushion households from the rising cost of living.
The ongoing debate around public and private consultants is also likely to continue, in the wake of controversy at the Rotunda Hospital. Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill is due to appear before the Health Committee on Wednesday and will no doubt face questioning on this issue.
The Seanad also has a packed week, including statements to mark Irish AIDS Day 2026.
There are some notable committee appearances too, including the Health Minister, the CEO of Tusla, Mary McAleese, and GAA President Jarlath Burns.
Read on for a full breakdown of what’s on the agenda for the week ahead…..
🗓️Tuesday 17th June
📢Criminal Justice (International Cooperation on Electronic Evidence and Other Matters) Bill 2026
This bill which is going into debate stage is aimed at making it easier for Irish and EU authorities to access electronic evidence such as emails, messages and other digital records in cross-border criminal investigations. The Bill would introduce new systems for handling requests for electronic evidence and establish a dedicated office to oversee international cooperation in this area. The Government says the measures will help modernise criminal investigations and improve cooperation with EU partners while maintaining safeguards around the use of personal data.
📢Health (Abolition of Three Day Wait Rule) (Amendment) Bill 2026
Moving onto the second stage this will be an emotive debate. It proposes removing the mandatory three-day waiting period between a person’s first medical consultation and accessing abortion services. Supporters argued that the waiting period can create unnecessary delays and additional stress for those seeking care, while opponents raised concerns about removing what they see as an important reflection period.
📢Parliamentary Questions to the Minister Enterprise, Tourism, and Employment
Minister Peter Burke is likely to face the usual questions relating to his brief this week on the Government’s support for data centre development and the impact on Ireland’s energy infrastructure and electricity costs. He may also be asked to outline what is happening in relation to the Governments probe into the Aughinish Alumina refinery and it’s alleged links to Russia.
🗓️Wednesday 17th June
📢Motion re Data Centres, energy use and climate change
The Labour Party are bringing forward this motion on data centres, focusing on their growing energy demand and the implications for Ireland’s climate targets. The motion is expected to highlight concerns about the strain data centres place on the electricity grid and whether current planning and energy policies are aligned with emissions reduction goals. TDs are likely to debate how to balance the economic benefits of digital infrastructure with the need to meet legally binding climate commitments.
📢Guardianship of Infants and Childcare (Amendment) Bill 2026
The Dáil is taking the Report and Final Stages of this bill, which updates family law and child welfare provisions. It’s aimed at strengthening protections around guardianship arrangements and improving how courts make decisions in the best interests of children. It also includes measures to modernise aspects of childcare law and clarify responsibilities between parents and the courts in guardianship and custody cases. Guardian ad litem’s have raised concerns that the Bill weakens their role in court proceedings, arguing that clearer statutory recognition and stronger resourcing are needed to ensure children’s voices are fully and independently represented in guardianship and child welfare cases.
📢Finance Bill 2026
This Bill is at committee and remaining stages. TD’s will continue to scrutinise its tax measures and revenue-raising provisions, particularly around the impact on households, SMEs and competitiveness, alongside wider concerns about cost-of-living pressures and the balance between fiscal stability and targeted supports.
📢The Microenterprise Loan Fund (Amendment) Bill 2024
This Bill returns from the Seanad with amendments and is aimed at strengthening support for small businesses and microenterprises by improving access to State-backed lending. The Dáil is expected to consider changes made by the Seanad, with discussion likely to focus on whether the updated provisions go far enough to help very small firms with financing, particularly in the context of high borrowing costs and ongoing pressures on start-ups and rural businesses.
📢Motion re Proposed approval by Dáil Éireann for a Directive on combating firearms trafficking and other firearms-related offences and amending Directive (EU)
The Dáil motion is about agreeing to an EU plan to tighten rules on illegal gun trafficking and related crimes across member states. It aims to improve cooperation between countries so law enforcement can track and stop illegal firearms more easily, while TDs are also likely to question how effective the changes will be in practice and whether they go far enough to prevent guns entering or spreading within the EU.
🗓️Thursday 18th June
📢Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Social Protection
Minister Dara Calleary is likely to face continued questions this week on rising cost-of-living pressures and whether welfare rates are keeping pace with inflation, as well as delays in processing payments and appeals within the Department.
📢Parliamentary Questions to the Minister for Transport
Iarnród Éireann reps were before the Oireachtas Committee last week giving evidence on its failed €50 million IT project. Transport Minister Darragh O’ Brien is likely to be questioned on this further, along with the continuing issues under his brief, including public transport reliability, and the delivery of infrastructure.
📢Statements on Rare Diseases
The Dáil will hear statements on rare diseases, with TDs expected to highlight the challenges faced by patients in getting timely diagnoses and accessing specialist care. The discussion is likely to focus on improving access to medicines and ensuring better coordination of care, with calls for stronger national planning and supports for families affected by rare conditions.
📢Motion re Report entitled “Report on Inclusive Education for Persons with Disabilities”
The Dáil will debate a motion on the report on inclusive education for persons with disabilities, with TDs likely to focus on how well the education system is meeting the needs of students with additional needs. The discussion is expected to highlight issues such as access to supports in schools and the availability of special education teachers and SNAs.
Seanad Spotlight 🔦
In the Upper House this week a number of Bills will be debated including the Health (Amendment) (Home Support Providers) Bill 2025, the Domestic Violence Judgments Register Bill 2026, the Critical Infrastructure Bill 2026, the Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2026, The Prohibition of Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems Bill 2026, and the Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026. There will also be statements to mark Irish AIDS Day 2026.
Oireachtas Committees – Ones to Watch! 👀
🗓️Tuesday
· The Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement will engage with a number of academics.
· Committee on Artificial Intelligence will discuss AI and the environment
· Aquaculture and Water Quality is on the agenda at the Committee on Fisheries and Maritime Affairs
· The CEO of Tusla along with other reps will appear before the Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration
· The Irish Fiscal Advisory Council will appear before the Committee on Budgetary Oversight
· A number of private developers along with home building associations will appear before the Committee on Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
🗓️Wednesday
· The Social Enterprise Sector in Ireland will be discussed at the Committee on Social Protection, Rural and Community Development
· Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, will appear before the Health Committee.
· Minister of State Seán Canney will give evidence on road safety at the Transport Committee.
· Counting the Cost - Disability and financial independence is on the agenda at the Committee on Disability Matters
· 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
· The Climate Action Plan will be discussed at the Committee on Climate, Environment and Energy
· Mary McAleese and Jarlath Burns are among those appearing before the Committee on Sport on engagement on progress in respect of the Integration of Gaelic Games.
· Hospitality Reps Committee on Enterprise, Tourism and Employment to discuss Competitiveness and the Cost of Doing Business in Ireland
· Enabling the growth of the Credit Union movement will be discuss at the Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Public Service Reform and Digitalisation, and Taoiseach
· The National Youth Council of Ireland will appear before the Committee on Infrastructure and National Development Plan Delivery
· Issues around Recruitment and Retention of Veterinary Nurses will be discussed at Committee on Agriculture and Food
· Reps from the Embassy of France in Ireland will appear before the Committee on European Union Affairs
🗓️Thursday
· Inclusive Education: Allocation, Roles, and Training Needs of Special Education Teachers (SETs) and Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) will be on the agenda Committee on Education and Youth
· Traveller Accommodation will be discussed at the Committee on Key Issues affecting the Traveller Community.
Stay informed. Stay prepared. Stay strategic.
Pathway PR & Media
Media Intelligence | Public Affairs | Strategic Communication