Matt Carthy (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

We received correspondence from Mr. Jim Breslin regarding this committee's request concerning oversight of secondary legislation. I am disappointed in what Mr. Breslin has written. He states that he has consulted with the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris and essentially tells this committee that he is not going to engage with us regarding pre-scrutiny. Mr. Breslin points to the fact that under Oireachtas oversight that either House of the Oireachtas can annul secondary legislation. One of the Houses of the Oireachtas cannot sit at the moment, however, and that reduces the scope for scrutiny.

We are in unprecedented times. There is no health committee to examine this secondary legislation. I think we should write back to the Minister for Health and Mr. Breslin and ask for a review of that position. This is not about catching anybody out. It is about ensuring that all of this legislation is the right legislation at the right time with the right focus in mind. It would benefit the Minister and the Department of Health if this committee had oversight of the legislation before it is enacted.