Derided for being long on talk and short on action, significant criticism has been aimed at the dearth of legislation completed since the Fine Gael-led minority Government came to power in May.
By the time the Dáil and Seanad went into summer recess on July 21st, just eight Bills had been passed – a total which critics says shows how limited the Oireachtas is.
However, given that formal parliamentary business only began on May 17th after lengthy talks on government formation, eight pieces of legislation getting through the system is not a bad hit rate.
A Bill was passed on average once every four days the Dáil sat after business formally got going under the new administration. It was assisted by the Seanad, which sat for 19 days after its members were elected and/or appointed by the end of May.
Some of the legislation passed could be seen as low-hanging fruit – a few overhangs from the last Oireachtas and two alleged decision-deferring Bills linked to the suspension of water charges and on the selection of a citizens’ assembly to discuss abortion and other issues.
Here are the eight Bills enacted by the Dáil and Seanad in the Government’s first 100 days:
PATERNITY LEAVE AND BENEFIT ACT
Probably the most significant of the eight Bills passed, it offers paid paternity leave for two weeks for new fathers, including fathers of adopted children. The move, which brings
Ireland
somewhat into line with most of the rest of the EU, was “groundbreaking”, said Minister for Justice
Frances Fitzgerald
.
It provides minimum weekly paternity benefit of €230 for two weeks at any time within the first six months of birth. The legislation kicks in for children born from September 1st onward. Up to 40,000 men are expected to apply annually.
WATER SERVICES (AMENDMENT) ACT
This legislation suspends billing for domestic water charges for nine months from July 1st. A commission will in that time debate and make recommendation for the stainable future of water services and Irish Water.
Critics have described the Bill as "kick the can down the road" legislation. Minister for Local Government Simon Coveney said he wanted to take the heat out of the contentious debate.
ELECTORAL (AMENDMENT) ACT
This short piece of legislation allows for the selection from the electoral register of a 60-member citizens’ assembly to debate issues, starting with the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution which guarantees the equal right to life of the unborn and the mother.It was described as delaying legislation by TDs who favour repealing the amendment.
COMMISSION OF INVESTIGATION (IRISH BANK RESOLUTION CORPORATION) ACT
This Bill gives extra powers to the commission of investigation into controversial transactions by IBRC which each resulted in a loss to the State of more than €10 million.
The inquiry was stalled because it could not overcome confidentiality issues on documents linked to sales and difficulties with disclosure of such documents. The commission, chaired by Mr Justice Brian Cregan, was established after controversy over the sale of Siteserv by the IBRC to a company controlled by businessman Denis O'Brien.
MISUSE OF DRUGS (AMENDMENT) ACT
This Bill was introduced following the gang-related shootings in Dublin’s north inner city and the debate about drug abuse in the area. The Bill makes “unauthorised possession” of prescription medicines for on-street trading a criminal offence.
Gardaí felt they could not arrest people with prescription drugs, and Minister for Health Simon Harris said criminals had been exploiting the legitimate trade in prescription medicines. Opponents of the Bill said it does nothing to dismantle the drug trade at the top level.
PROCEEDS OF CRIME (AMENDMENT) ACT
This is the second piece of legislation after the recent Dublin gang shootings. It allows the
Criminal Assets Bureau
to seize property initially for 24 hours and then for a further 21 days while court actions are under way.
It also allows CAB to seize property worth €5,000 or more, down from a previous limit of €13,000 or more. Critics of the measures have said criminal gangs will not lose sleep over the move.
ENERGY ACT
In an update of legislation originally published in 2014, the energy regulator received enhanced powers to investigate and fine energy providers up to €250,000 (for individuals) or 10 per cent of turnover (for companies) for breaching energy market regulations. It also provided legal certainty allowing the placement of fibreoptic cable along the Galway-Mayo gas pipeline.
HEALTH AMENDMENT ACT
The first legislation introduced by Minister of State for Health Finian McGrath, the Bill gives residential centres for people with disabilities an extra two years to become compliant with Health Information and Quality Authority regulations.
Much to do
More robust debate can be expected when
TDs and Senators return from their break next month. The pressing and more controversial legislation likely to receive priority includes:
IRISH WATER
Coveney plans to introduce legislation to establish an external advisory board for Irish Water to “improve Irish Water’s transparency and accountability both to the Oireachtas and the public service”.
PUBLIC HEALTH (ALCOHOL) BILL
The Bill passed the introductory Second Stage in the Seanad before the general election and should be back on the priority legislative programme. It provides for compulsory detailed labels on all alcoholic drinks stating calorie count, health warnings and alcohol levels. Eleven EU states have objected to the provision.
The Bill also provides for minimum unit pricing to prevent below-cost selling, strict separation of alcohol produces from other items in shops and restrictions on alcohol promotions.
CRIMINAL LAW (SEXUAL OFFENCES) BILL
Fitzgerald introduced this Bill in the last Seanad where it became mired in debate on provisions to criminalise the sale of sexual services. It is aimed at combating trafficking for sexual exploitation. It finally made it into the Dáil, but too close to its dissolution before the election.
Its other provisions include measures to combat the sexual grooming of children, updating laws relating to indecent exposure and incest, and harassment orders to prevent convicted offenders from contacting their victims.
ROAD TRAFFIC BILL
One of the key elements in the Bill provides for roadside kits and other provisions to allow gardaí to test for impaired driving through drug abuse. The Bill fell with the last government.
