Spring 2026 Legislation Programme published by Government Chief Whip, Minister Mary Butler following approval by Cabinet
- Foilsithe: 13 Eanáir 2026
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 13 Eanáir 2026
Government Chief Whip, Minister Mary Butler today announced the publication of the Spring 2026 Legislation Programme, setting out the Government’s priorities for the coming ten-week parliamentary session.
Minister Butler received approval for the programme from Cabinet earlier today and said:
“This Programme reflects the Government’s determination to deliver on commitments that matter most to people—strengthening critical infrastructure, accelerating housing delivery, improving healthcare, and modernising transport. It is an ambitious agenda for a short session in the Oireachtas, and we are focused on progressing as much as possible between now and Easter.”
The Spring Programme includes 30 Bills scheduled for publication and 34 for priority drafting, alongside a wide pipeline of legislation already in preparation across Government Departments. Further legislation is already progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas. This follows extensive consultation with Departments and the Government Legislation Committee earlier this month.
Minister Butler added:
“With 63 priority Bills and a further 78 in development, this Programme demonstrates a whole-of-Government effort to advance reforms that support families, communities and businesses, and deliver on our Programme for Government commitments.”
Delivering on Priorities
- Critical Infrastructure: The Programme prioritises measures to fast-track essential projects and strengthen energy security, including legislation to underpin a State-led strategic gas reserve and establish the National Cyber Security Centre on a statutory basis.
- Housing: New tenancy protections and rent regulation will take effect from March, while legislation will provide statutory supports for the remediation of defects in apartments and duplexes.
- Healthcare: Public health remains central, with legislation to regulate nicotine inhaling products. The Programme also will see work continuing to address parentage and citizenship issues arising from assisted human reproduction.
- Transport: Measures in this legislation programme include road safety measures, updates to railway safety standards, tackling planning constraints at Dublin Airport, and empowering the National Transport Authority to deliver public transport infrastructure in regional cities.
The Spring Programme also includes the International Protection Bill, which will implement the EU Migration and Asylum Pact in Irish law. This legislation is an important step in ensuring Ireland is fully prepared to lead on migration and asylum matters during the forthcoming EU Presidency, while maintaining a fair and efficient system for those seeking protection.
Minister Butler said:
“As Ireland prepares for its upcoming EU Presidency, it is vital that we address migration and asylum matters in advance. The International Protection Bill will be a major piece of legislation during this session in the Oireachtas, with the ambition to have the new laws passed before Easter. This will require a huge effort by all of us in the Oireachtas over the coming weeks.”
The Government Chief Whip will monitor progress through the Government Legislation Committee, working closely with the Attorney General and the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel to ensure timely advancement of as much legislation as possible.
Minister Butler concluded:
“This Programme is about delivery—making sure that we bring forward important legislation that we have committed to in the Programme for Government. We must continue to ensure that we bring forward legislation that improves lives, strengthens our economy, and builds resilience for the future.”
A copy of the Spring 2026 Legislation programme is available on Gov.ie