Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I would be happy to support a provision whereby any substantive regulation would be put before the committee. I would not have a difficulty with this. However, I do have a difficulty with substantial regulations being laid before the Houses and, if not annulled within 21 days, being signed by the Minister, after which there is no further scrutiny. It is important that people realise what we are talking about. Section 4 reads:

(1) The Minister may by regulations provide--(a) for any matter referred to in this Act as prescribed, or
(b) for any matter that appears to the Minister to be necessary or expedient for bringing this Act into operation.(2) Without prejudice to any provisions of this Act, regulations under this section may contain such incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions as appear to the Minister to be necessary or expedient for the purposes of the regulations.

Regulations under this section may contain such incidental, supplementary and consequential provisions as appear to the Minister to be either necessary or expedient for the purposes of the regulation. It is a very broad canvas, therefore, we are giving to whoever is the Minister of the day, in regard to what-----