Carol Nolan (Laois-Offaly, Independent)
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894.To ask the Minister for Education and Skills if his Department will be prioritising the progression of any specific pieces of legislation prior to the Dáil summer recess; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24703/24]

Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick County, Fine Gael)
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My Department is currently progressing two pieces of legislation, the Research and Innovation Bill and the Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023.

Research and Innovation Bill

As part of Impact 2030: Ireland’s Research and Innovation Strategy, the Government has approved the creation of a new statutory research funding agency “Taighde Éireann - Research Ireland”, under the aegis of the Minister for FHERIS by way of a landmark Research and Innovation Bill. This will involve amalgamating the functions and activities of the Irish Research Council (IRC) and Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) under D/FHERIS.

Status of the Bill

The Bill passed all stages of the Oireachtas and is currently awaiting signature into law by the President.

Construction Safety Licensing Bill 2023

The purpose of this Bill is to provide a new and comprehensive framework for the licensing of construction, quarrying and related activities in Ireland. A single body will be designated as the licensing authority for the sector. The objective is to improve health and safety practices in construction and quarrying with the intention of reducing workplace accidents, work related injuries and fatalities.

Status of the Bill

Progress on this Bill is ongoing. It will continue to be progressed through the Dáil in the autumn session.