We also outline recent developments that impact legal practice, including changes to planning exemption regulations and BER ratings.
Upcoming diaries
The Dáil returns on Tuesday 28 April. On Wednesday at Private Members Business (Independent Technical Group) there is a Motion re Family Law Transparency, Child Welfare and Reform of the In Camera Rule.
- View the Dáil schedule
In the Seanad on Tuesday there will be further statements on the delivery of the Broadband Plan which is in the final stages of rollout.
- View the Seanad schedule
Also on Tuesday, there is a Joint Committee on Justice, Home Affairs and Migration with Engagement on ‘Supports and Experiences of Victims of Crime’.
- View the Committee schedule
Family justice system reforms
On Wednesday 22 April, Minister Jim O’Callaghan announced details of the Implementation Plan for the Family Courts Act 2024 which will introduce important changes to the delivery of family justice in Ireland. These will include full-time specialist judges assigned to deal with family law within new family court divisions, each run by a new Principal Judge, and the possibility to provide divorce applications at both District and Circuit Court level. Implementation will proceed in three phases with phase 1 already underway to run until the end of this year. Alongside the implementation of each phase, evaluation and refinement will take place to inform the approach adopted for subsequent phases. A more detailed project plan is expected in the autumn.
International Protection Bill signed into law
President Catherine Connolly has signed the International Protection Bill into law. The announcement from Áras an Uachtaráin comes after the President convened the Council of State to discuss the issue. Although Government sources said they fully expected the law would be challenged by an individual in the courts at some stage in the future, it will come into operation as scheduled, fulfilling the State’s obligations under the EU Migration Pact.
New planning rules for modular units approved
Cabinet this week approved plans to allow for modular homes to be erected in back gardens and made available for rent. The measures will see exemptions to current planning regulations for “auxiliary habitable dwellings” which “will allow for the addition of a detached habitable accommodation linked to the services of the principal house – between 32sqm and 45sqm in floor area”.
Public Consultation
The following consultation closes on 30 April:
In other Government news
- Simplified Building Energy Ratings (BER) for residential properties to be introduced from May 2026
- Government announced changes to Planning Exemptions Regulations
- Minister Lawless launched ie to Upskill One Million People in AI
- Minister O’Callaghan announced €4.3 million in funding to support victims and survivors of crime
- Spring forecast points to economic resilience, though inflation likely to rise –Department of Finance Annual Progress Report 2026
