merrion street

The Government Chief Whip Paul Kehoe has today announced the Legislative Programme for the coming parliamentary session.

Speaking following the announcement, the Chief Whip said: “The new Government has the unprecedented task of rebuilding our country from the ruinous economic mismanagement of the former administration. Our first legislative programme is designed to reflect our mandate from the people for real change and job creation. The days of Government drift are over as we seek to prioritise legislation in a number of key areas that will deliver this meaningful change.

With the aim of getting our country back to work we will shortly publish finance legislation that will stimulate job creation across all regions. Tackling the job crisis is the top priority of this Government. This legislation will also incorporate outstanding civil partnership taxation changes.

This Government recognises that the old ways, the old politics that created the crisis from which we seek to release ourselves, will not do. With this in mind new ways, new approaches and new thinking will form the constant backdrop to the coalition’s style of governance.

New legislation to ban corporate donations to political parties and setting new limits on donations will be prioritised. New legislation to create the new structures to promote greater fiscal responsibility will also feature strongly during this session.

Along with these legislative priorities, the Government intends to publish Bills including the:

Criminal Justice Bill

Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Bill

Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme) Bill

Social Welfare and Pensions Bill

Qualifications and Quality Assurance (Education and Training) Bill

The Programme for Government also commits the Government to a NewERA entity and a Strategic Investment Bank to support the retention and creation of jobs in the economy. These proposals will require legislation which is being advanced.

Our country deserves a fresh start from the failed politics of the past. Our legislative programme is guided by the principle that real change is needed to make a meaningful, positive difference to the lives of our citizens.

180kb