Government to Introduce Legislation on Criminal Assets, National Broadband, Air Pollution, and Education System

Legislation which aims to strengthen the State's ability to identify, freeze and confiscate assets linked to serious and organised crime will be brought to the Cabinet by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan. The value of crime in Ireland is estimated at €1.7 billion per annum. Minister O'Callaghan's new legislation, The Proceeds of Crime and Related Matters Bill 2025, seeks to enhance the Criminal Assets Bureau's ability to target crime proceeds and improve their processes.

One key aspect of the legislation is to reduce the time between a judicial determination that assets are proceeds of crime and a final disposal order from seven years to two years. The legislation also provides for the immediate appointment of a receiver once assets are deemed proceeds of crime, preventing respondents from benefiting from those assets.

Minister for Media Patrick O'Donovan will inform the Cabinet that the National Broadband Plan will be completed ahead of schedule and within budget. The project aims to connect 420,000 premises by the end of the year, with 400,000 premises expected to be connected by summer's end.

Minister for Climate, Energy and Environment Darragh O'Brien will seek Cabinet approval for the Air Pollution Bill (amendment) 2025, focusing on enhancing local authorities' enforcement capacity and supporting the implementation of solid fuel regulations to improve air quality.

Ministers for Higher and Further Education, Education, and Children will present the latest statistical analysis of Ireland's education system to the Cabinet. The report includes data on education in early childhood and shows positive trends in post-primary to higher education transition rates and increased support for learners in higher education.

Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe will outline plans to advance the Central Bank Amendment Bill, ensuring that cancer survivors are not penalised for their past health experiences when engaging in financial activities. The bill aims to legislate for a statutory 'Right to Be Forgotten' for cancer survivors.