455 publications filtered by Research/Spotlights
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Published on 5 Apr 2024
L&RS Note: Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism
This L&RS Note provides an overview of the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism by examining the background to its introduction, its objectives, scope, and the timeline for its implementation. It also considers the potential implications it may have for developing countries and on the competitiveness of EU industry. [Keywords: Business and industry, Climate action, Environment and energy, International and EU affairs]
Published on 6 Mar 2024
L&RS Infographic: Amending Bunreacht na hÉireann, Constitution of Ireland
The purpose of this Infographic is to outline the process for amending Bunreacht na hÉireann, Constitution of Ireland [Keywords: Parliament and Government, People and communities]
L&RS Infographic: Amending Bunreacht na hÉireann, Constitution of Ireland ()
Published on 6 Mar 2024
L&RS Note: EU nature restoration law
An overview of the nature restoration law, which seeks to set multiple binding restoration targets and obligations across a broad range of ecosystems, including forests, agricultural land, rivers, marine habitats and even urban areas.
[Climate | Focus]
Published on 22 Feb 2024
Bill Digest: Road Traffic Bill 2024
The Bill proposes to change road traffic legislation including changes to penalty points system, reduction of certain default speed limits and, alignment of drug testing with current alcohol testing rules. [Keywords: Rural; maritime and transport; Justice and Crime]
Published on 8 Feb 2024
Bill Digest: Charities (Amendment) Bill 2023
The purpose of the Charities (Amendment) Bill 2023 is to make amendments to the Charities Act 2009 in respect of accounting, audit and reporting
requirements, responsibilities of trustees and the operation of the Register of Charities [Keywords: People and communities]
Published on 8 Feb 2024
Bill Digest: Social Welfare (Liable Relatives and Child Maintenance) Bill 2023
The Social Welfare (Liable Relatives and Child Maintenance) Bill 2023 seeks to give legislative effect to two changes to the Social Welfare system:
(a) changes to social welfare means tests so that child maintenance payments will no longer be assessed as means, and (b) the discontinuation of the Liable Relative Provisions [Keywords: Social protection, People and communities]
*Please note that this Bill was subsequently renamed the Social Welfare and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023.
Bill Digest: Social Welfare (Liable Relatives and Child Maintenance) Bill 2023 ()
Published on 8 Feb 2024
Bill Digest: Research and Innovation Bill 2024
The Research and Innovation Bill 2024 provides for the establishment of a new Statutory Agency, Taighde Éireann (Research Ireland), which effectively merges the functions of Science Foundation Ireland and the Irish Research Council into one body. In doing so, and in view of Impact 2030 (Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy), the Bill seeks, through the establishment of Taighde Éireann, to provide for the funding of research and innovation across fields of activity and disciplines. This L&RS Bill Digest provides an overview of the policy and legislative framework for the Bill, as well as some of the key policy debates relevant to the Bill. [Keywords: Higher education, Research, Innovation]
Published on 6 Feb 2024
Bill Digest: Digital Services Bill 2023
The Digital Services Bill 2023, introduced by Ireland's Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment on December 5, 2023, is necessary to provide for the full implementation in Ireland of the EU Digital Services Act (“EU DSA") which came into force on 16 November 2022, and will fully apply in Member States from 17 February 2024. This Bill enacts necessary national legislative measures of the EU DSA, including appointing Coimisiún na Meán as the Digital Services Coordinator and lead Competent Authority. It also designates the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) as a secondary Competent Authority. Additionally, the Bill establishes a liability regime for online intermediaries, sets procedures for "trusted flagger" status, and creates mechanisms for handling user complaints. [Keywords: Business and industry, Economy and finance, International and EU affairs]
Published on 6 Feb 2024
Climate Focus | Climate Action Plan 2024
As part of our Climate Focus series for the Oireachtas Climate Hub, L&RS senior researcher Maggie Semple informs us about Irish, European and global commitments to climate actions; Ireland's greenhouse gas emissions profile and climate assessment; and the Climate Action Plan 2024.
Published on 3 Jan 2024
Bill Digest: Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (The Family) Bill 2023
The purpose of this Bill is to add text to Article 41.1.1° of the Constitution to expand the definition of family, which is presently founded on marriage, to include “other durable relationships”. The Bill also provides for the proposal to delete the words “on which the Family is founded” from Article 41.3.1°. [Keywords: Parliament and Government, People and communities, Social protection]
Bill Digest: Thirty-ninth Amendment of the Constitution (The Family) Bill 2023 ()
Published on 2 Jan 2024
L&RS Note: Regulation of children’s access to online pornography – Recent legal developments
The purpose of this Note is to provide an overview of recent developments in relation to the regulation of children’s access to pornography online. Regulation in this area in Ireland has primarily emanated from developments in European Union law but may also be a response to growing concerns about online safety more broadly. [Keywords: Parliament and Government, People and communities]
L&RS Note: Regulation of children’s access to online pornography – Recent legal developments ()
Published on 2 Jan 2024
Bill Digest: Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution (Care) Bill 2023
The purpose of this Bill is to delete the current wording of Article 41.2 Bunreacht na hÉireann in both the Irish and English text and insert a new Article 42B into the Constitution of Ireland that recognises family care. [Keywords: Parliament and Government, People and communities, Social protection]
Bill Digest: Fortieth Amendment of the Constitution (Care) Bill 2023 ()
Published on 15 Dec 2023
L&RS Note: Refugees in Ireland, the EU and Worldwide: Legal and Policy Developments at the EU level
This Note is the third of a series of three L&RS Notes concerning Refugees in Ireland, the EU and Worldwide. It discusses the Common European Asylum System and discusses relevant legal and policy developments at the EU level. [Keywords: International and EU Affairs, People and communities]
Published on 14 Dec 2023
L&RS Note: Note 2: Planning and Development Bill 2023 - PLS andSelect Principal Provisions
The Planning and Development Bill 2023 proposes to reform the Irish planning system. This Note 2 deals with the PLS process, including commentary from the Department on PLS recommendations and analyses selected key provisions of the published Bill. It does not attempt to provide a full summary of the Bill but instead examines certain selected elements focusing on key components that are not only pivotal in shaping Irish planning law but are also at the centre of significant debates arising from the Draft Bill. Specifically, this includes the operation and lifespan of local development plans, issues related to access to justice and Judicial Review as well as recent developments and changes within An Bord Pleanála (ABP). [Keywords: Housing and planning, People and communities]
L&RS Note: Note 2: Planning and Development Bill 2023 - PLS andSelect Principal Provisions ()
Published on 11 Dec 2023
L&RS Note: Refugees in Ireland, the EU and Worldwide: Refugees in Ireland
This Note is the second of a series of three L&RS Notes concerning Refugees in Ireland, the EU and Worldwide. It provides an overview of the legal and policy framework governing the treatment of refugees in Ireland. [Keywords: International and EU Affairs, People and communities]
L&RS Note: Refugees in Ireland, the EU and Worldwide: Refugees in Ireland ()
Published on 11 Dec 2023
L&RS Note: Refugees in Ireland, the EU and Worldwide: the international legal framework and refugees worldwide
This Note is the first of a series of three L&RS Notes concerning Refugees in Ireland, the EU and Worldwide. It examines the international legal framework and contemporary situation regarding refugees worldwide. [Keywords: International and EU Affairs, People and communities]
Published on 7 Dec 2023
Bill Digest: Employment (Collective Redundancies and Miscellaneous Provisions) and Companies (Amendment) Bill
The Bill proposes to amend employment law and company law legislation to protect employees in collective redundancy situations and establish an Employment Law Review Group. [Keywords: Business and industry, Economy and finance, People and communities]
Published on 5 Dec 2023
L&RS Note: Ireland and the Energy Charter Treaty
An overview of the Ireland and Energy Charter Treaty and its mechanisms and statistics on dispute resolution. [Keywords: Environment and energy, International and EU affairs]
Published on 21 Nov 2023
Bill Digest: Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2023
This Bill provides for the number of members of Dáil Éireann, the revision of Dáil constituency boundaries and for the number of members to be elected to each constituency. [Keywords: Parliament and Government]
Published on 14 Nov 2023
L&RS Note: Prince Albert Statue on Leinster Lawn
This L&RS Note explores the commissioning of the Prince Albert statue and its erection on Leinster Lawn in 1872. It also describes the work of the Irish sculptor John Henry Foley who made the statue. [Keywords: Culture and Sport, Parliament and Government]
Published on 24 Oct 2023
Bill Digest: Finance (State Guarantees, International Financial Institution Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2023
The main purpose of the Bill is to enable the Minister for Finance to make contributions on behalf of the State to trust funds and special donor funds established by International Financial Institutions for the purpose of responding to crises. It also seeks Oireachtas approval to permit the State to enter into guarantee and contribution agreements associated with European Union financial assistance to Ukraine. [Keywords: Economy and Finance, International and EU affairs]
Published on 10 Oct 2023
L&RS Note: Note 1: Planning and Development Bill 2023 - background and policy context
The Planning and Development Bill 2023 proposes to reform the Irish planning system. The Bill has not yet been published or scheduled for second stage debate in Dáil Éireann but is expected in the forthcoming session. This first Note provides an overview of the background to the Bill including the current legal and regulatory framework, as well as the policy context. It does not include a full analysis of the Draft Bill which was published in lieu of a General Scheme. [Keywords: Housing and planning, People and communities, Environment and energy]
L&RS Note: Note 1: Planning and Development Bill 2023 - background and policy context ()
Published on 10 Oct 2023
Bill Digest: Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Bill 2023
This Bill Digest analyses the Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Agency (DSGBV) Bill 2023 [Keywords: Justice and crime, People and communities]
Bill Digest: Domestic, Sexual and Gender Based Violence Bill 2023 ()
Published on 9 Oct 2023
Bill Digest: Control of Exports Bill
The Bill seeks to repeal and replace the Control of Exports Act 2008 to ensure a comprehensive and robust framework for regulating the export of controlled goods and technology. The primary purpose of the Bill is to establish national export controls on military items, services, and technology and provide for national measures to both complement and supplement the EU Dual-Use Regulation. The EU operates a system of export controls that form part of a multilateral framework to support global security, which apply to military equipment and dual-use items. Trade and military equipment are a national competence; therefore, export controls must be provided for it in national legislation. The Bill aims to fulfil Ireland's EU obligations to have common licensing requirements and procedures for the export of dual-use items together with giving legal effect in Irish law to the Council Common Position on activities involving military items. [Keywords: Business and industry, International and EU affairs, Technology and research]
Published on 5 Oct 2023
Bill Digest: Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023
The main purpose of Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023 is to implement the cap on market revenues of Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices. [Keywords: Business and industry, Environment and energy, International and EU affairs]
Bill Digest: Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Cap on Market Revenues) Bill 2023 ()
Published on 3 Oct 2023
Spotlight: Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG), and Sustainable Development: the Legal and Regulatory Framework in Ireland
The Spotlight: examines the legal and regulatory framework concerning environmental, social and governance (ESG), and sustainable development in Ireland; considers the importance of ESG for key stakeholders; discusses relevant legislative and policy developments at the EU and domestic levels; identifies supports for companies transitioning to more ESG-friendly practices; and compares Ireland’s performance in promoting ESG and sustainable development against other EU and OECD States.[Keywords: Business and industry, Economy and finance, Environment and Energy, Climate]
Published on 3 Oct 2023
Bill Digest: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) Bill 2023
The Bill creates a directly-elected mayor for Limerick City and County and changes roles, responsibilities, and accountability relationships between local government actors [Keywords:Parliament and Government, People and communities]
Bill Digest: Local Government (Mayor of Limerick) Bill 2023 ()
Published on 28 Sep 2023
Bill Digest: Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill 2023
The Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill seeks to revise and replace the existing National Monuments Acts and other related legislation/enactments going back to the 19th century with a modernised legislative code for the protection of historic monuments and archaeological heritage. The Bill proposes to establish a new Register of Monuments to replace multiple systems for monument protection, revise licensing systems for activities regulated under the Bill, and enable the State to ratify some key international conventions in heritage protection [Keywords: Culture and Sport, Environment and energy]
Bill Digest: Historic and Archaeological Heritage Bill 2023 ()
Published on 20 Jul 2023
Bill Digest: Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones)) Bill 2023
The Bill provides for the designation of 100m Safe Access Zones around healthcare premises where certain conduct in relation to termination of pregnancy services will be prohibited. [Keywords: Health, Justice and crime]
Bill Digest: Health (Termination of Pregnancy Services (Safe Access Zones)) Bill 2023 ()
Published on 12 Jul 2023
Bill Digest: Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023
The main purpose of the Energy (Windfall Gains in the Energy Sector) (Temporary Solidarity Contribution) Bill 2023 is to implement the solidarity contribution of Council Regulation (EU) 2022/1854 of 6 October 2022 on an emergency intervention to address high energy prices. [Keywords: Business and industry, Environment and energy, International and EU affairs]
Published on 3 Jul 2023
L&RS Infographic: Environmental Indicators Quarter 2 2023
Quarterly L&RS statistical dashboard infographic profiling key environmental indicators [Keywords: Environment and energy, Parliament and Government, Technology and research]
L&RS Infographic: Environmental Indicators Quarter 2 2023 ()
Published on 16 Jun 2023
Bill Digest: Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023
This Bill Digest examines the principal provisions of the Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023 [Keywords: Health]
Bill Digest: Public Health (Tobacco Products and Nicotine Inhaling Products) Bill 2023 ()
Published on 13 Jun 2023
Bill Digest: Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023
The Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023 provides for two new criminal offences relating to the recruitment of children to commit crime. [Keywords: Social protection, Justice and crime, People and communities]
Bill Digest: Criminal Justice (Engagement of Children in Criminal Activity) Bill 2023 ()
Published on 13 Jun 2023
Bill Digest: Court Proceedings (Delays) Bill 2023
The Court Proceedings (Delays) Bill 2023 provides for statutory compensation for breach of the right to a hearing within a reasonable time in both civil and criminal matters. The Bill provides for the appointment of a Chief Court Delays Assessor and Court Delays Assessors to assess such applications. The Bill also provides for the making of an application to the Circuit Court, in certain circumstances, for such a declaration and compensation, and for related matters. [Keywords: Justice and Crime]
Published on 30 May 2023
Bill Digest: Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2022
The Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2022 amends existing legislation, which affect certain registrants with the Medical Council and CORU.[Keywords: Health, Parliament and Government]
Bill Digest: Regulated Professions (Health and Social Care) (Amendment) Bill 2022 ()
Published on 18 May 2023
Bill Digest: Construction Safety Licensing Bill
The Bill primarily proposes to provide a new and comprehensive framework for the licensing of construction, quarrying and related activities in Ireland. [Keywords: Business and industry, Housing and planning]
Published on 17 May 2023
L&RS Note: Increasing the Number of Judges in Ireland
This L&RS Note provides a short overview of the proposed increase in the number of judges in Ireland .[Keywords: Justice and crime]
Published on 16 May 2023
Bill Digest: Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Bill
The main purpose of the Representative Actions for the Protection of the Collective Interests of Consumers Bill 2023 is to transpose Parliament and Council Directive (EU) 2020/1828 of 25 November 2020 on representative actions for the protection of the collective interests of consumers.
Published on 27 Apr 2023
L&RS Note: The Good Friday Agreement at 25
On the 25th Anniversary of the signing of the Good Friday Agreement, this Note: traces the origins of the Agreement, examines its substantive content, reflects upon lessons learned from the negotiations and peace process, and discusses some ongoing challenges to the Agreement’s full implementation. [Keywords: International and EU affairs, Parliament and Government, People and communities]
Published on 11 Apr 2023
L&RS Note: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Governance, Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms
This Note is one of three complimentary L&RS Notes, which examine the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023. The Note analyses proposed changes to Governance, Oversight and Accountability Mechanisms for An Garda Síochána, which are included in the Bill. [Keywords: Justice, Crime, People, Communities]
Published on 11 Apr 2023
L&RS Note: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Independent Examiner of Security Legislation
This Note is one of three complimentary L&RS Notes, which examine the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023. The Note provides an overview of the proposed establishment of an Independent Examiner of Security Legislation as set out at Part 7 of the Bill. [Keywords: Justice, Crime, Security]
Published on 11 Apr 2023
L&RS Note: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Community Safety
This Note is one of three complimentary L&RS Notes, which examine the Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023. The Note provides an overview of the strategic framework proposed to achieve the objective of promoting community safety included in the Bill. [Keywords: Justice and crime]
L&RS Note: Policing, Security and Community Safety Bill 2023: Community Safety ()
Published on 27 Mar 2023
Bill Digest: Health (Amendment) Bill 2023
This Bill Digest analyses the Health (Amendment) Bill 2023 which seeks to abolish in-patient and day case charges for adults in public hospitals [Keywords: Health]
Published on 1 Mar 2023
Bill Digest: Family Courts Bill 2022
The Bill provides for the establishment of a Family High Court, Family Circuit Court and Family District Court as divisions of the current court structures; the assignment of Principal Judges and other judges to the family courts; guiding principles regarding the conduct of family law proceedings and the establishment of a Family Law Rules Committee or Family Law Sub-committees of existing rules committees, as well as other miscellaneous and transitional provisions [Keywords: Justice and crime]
Published on 28 Feb 2023
Bill Digest: Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Bill 2023
This L&RS Bill Digest has been prepared with a view to assisting Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to their consideration of the Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Bill 2023. The Digest covers: Policy context – Why is this Bill being enacted? Overview of Bill – What does it seek to achieve? Principle Provisions of the Bill [Keywords: Farming, Nitrates, Veterinary Medicine]
Bill Digest: Veterinary Medicinal Products, Medicated Feed and Fertilisers Regulation Bill 2023 ()
Published on 30 Jan 2023
L&RS Note: Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuels Functions Bill 2023
This L&RS Note has been prepared with a view to assisting Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas in relation to their consideration of the Oil Emergency Contingency and Transfer of Renewable Transport Fuels Functions Bill 2023. The Note covers: Policy context – Why is this Bill being enacted? Overview of Bill – What does it seek to achieve? and International Context. [Keywords: Environment and energy, Fossil fuels, Emergency planning]
Published on 27 Jan 2023
Bill Digest: Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022
This Bill provides for the establishment of a statutory authority to promote the principles of fairness and transparency in the agricultural and food supply chain. [Keywords: Business and industry, Rural, maritime and transport]
Bill Digest: Agricultural and Food Supply Chain Bill 2022 ()
Published on 21 Dec 2022
Bill Digest: Local Government (Maternity leave for councillors) Bill 2022
The main purpose of this Bill is to give members of local authorities the right to take maternity leave, without the need for a council resolution. The Bill also gives councillors who take maternity leave, or are absent for other allowable reasons under the Local Government Act 2001, the option to have a temporary substitute co-opted to the council. [Keywords: Local councillors, councillors’ maternity leave, Local government temporary vacancy, Local government temporary substitute]
Bill Digest: Local Government (Maternity leave for councillors) Bill 2022 ()
Published on 20 Dec 2022
Bill Digest: Credit Union (Amendment) Bill 2022
This Bill provides for proposals in the policy review for credit unions, including establishing corporate credit unions and setting of maximum interest rates on loans. [Keywords: Business and industry, Economy and finance]
Published on 19 Dec 2022
Bill Digest: Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022
The Bill seeks to amend criminal law including the existing harassment offence and provide for standalone offences of stalking and non-fatal strangulation and suffocation other matters. [Keywords: Justice and crime]
Bill Digest: Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 ()