Mary Lou McDonald
Ceist:1. Deputy Mary Lou McDonald asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the legislative programme. [25303/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraLegislative Programme
Ceisteanna (1)
Freagraí scríofa
A Cheann Comhairle,
The Government Legislation Programme, which was published on 16 April 2024, sets out Government legislative priorities for the current parliamentary session. The current programme includes 53 bills for priority publication and drafting across a number of areas including healthcare, access to housing, stronger, safer communities, and pension reform amongst many others during the Summer Dáil session.
Since this Government came to office in June 2020, 198 bills have been published of which 188 have been enacted. During this current Dáil session we will build on this work through the priority publication of 29 pieces of legislation and the drafting of a further 24 bills.
This work will be overseen by the Government Legislation Committee which I chair and the Attorney General attends. The Committee meets on a regular basis throughout the session to ensure that the key legislative priorities are progressed.
There are currently 25 bills at various stages across both Houses of the Oireachtas. These include legislation that will amend and improve our planning system; provide for the regulation of gambling in Ireland and introduce a pensions auto-enrolment system. I will continue to work with all members to progress legislation through both Houses of the Oireachtas.
The current Legislation Programme does not include any bills in preparation in the Department of the Taoiseach as there are no legislative matters in the Department remit that require to be prioritised at this time.
The Department of the Taoiseach will continue to play a central role in supporting effective coordination and prioritisation of policy and legislative developments across Government through Government meetings, the Cabinet Committees structures and the Government Legislation Committee.
Covid-19 Pandemic
Ceisteanna (2)
Patricia Ryan
Ceist:2. Deputy Patricia Ryan asked the Taoiseach the date for the commencement of the Covid enquiry; if it will be before the Dáil Éireann summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26411/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
A comprehensive evaluation of how the country managed COVID-19 will provide an opportunity to learn lessons from our experiences in dealing with a pandemic.
It will include a review of the whole-of-government response to the pandemic and how we might do better and be in a stronger position if another pandemic or other similar type event were to occur.
It will include a consideration of the health service response covering hospitals, the community and nursing homes, along with the wider economic and social response.
It is intended to have a public element to hear the lived experiences of all society. The review should be undertaken by those independent of the national response and with relevant expertise.
A consultation with opposition parties and stakeholders has taken place on draft terms of reference. It is intended to bring the terms of reference to Government shortly.
Cabinet Committees
Ceisteanna (3)
Eoin Ó Broin
Ceist:3. Deputy Eoin Ó Broin asked the Taoiseach when the Cabinet Committee on Housing will meet again. [26359/24]
Amharc ar fhreagraFreagraí scríofa
The Cabinet Committee on Housing last met on Thursday, 30th May. The Committee is scheduled to meet again on Thursday 11th July.