Ireland: Government Policy & Public Finance

The Irish Cabinet has approved a comprehensive legislative programme featuring 64 priority bills spanning artificial intelligence regulation, cybersecurity, tourism, and civil reform. This breakdown examines how these proposed laws will impact various industries and sectors across the economy.

The European Commission’s Grids Package has been welcomed by many in industry as a catalyst for accelerated grid delivery and reform.

As Ireland prepares to assume the EU Council Presidency from July to December 2026, directors face a strategically significant period that will shape regulatory frameworks and business priorities across security, competitiveness, and institutional values. With influence over legislative timing and the negotiation of a €2 trillion EU budget spanning 2028-2034, this Presidency presents both governance challenges and opportunities that warrant early board-level engagement.

The Financial Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act 2009 was passed by the Irish legislature on Friday 27 February 2009, and was signed into law by the President the following day.