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Brexit to shape legislative agenda for 2019

Up to 44 new legislative bills will have been enacted before year-end, an increase on the 41 finalised in 2017.

Chief Whip Seán Kyne (pictured) also signalled this morning that Brexit will shape the legislative agenda in 2019 in particular in the event of a ‘no deal’ scenario.

Flagship Bills

Flagship Bills enacted during 2018 include:

• The Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Bill, which will allow for termination services to be provided here from January
• The Education (Admissions to Schools) Act, which introduces much awaited reforms to the school admissions process and prevents schools from discriminating on the basis of religion 
• The Domestic Violence Act, which provides better protection for victims
• The Childcare Support Act, which establishes the affordable children scheme to help reduce the cost of childcare
• The Public Health (Alcohol) Act, which aims to reduce the societal harm caused by alcohol 

Minister Kyne said “We’ve passed more pieces of legislation this year than last, which is a considerable achievement for the minority Government.

“Whether it is legislation to make childcare more affordable or to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence, these new laws will have a very real and positive impact on people’s lives.
Impact

“In recent weeks the Dáil has accepted proposals to streamline the processing and passage of Private Members’ Bills, which are often affected by the impact they will have on the State’s finances.

“By its very nature, the 32^nd Dáil is inclusive and more participatory. This is extraordinarily important as Brexit approaches.

“In recent weeks, I have requested that each Minister bring forward their Brexit-related legislative priorities, as well as urgent legislation that would need to be enacted in the first quarter of 2019.”