Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There is a sunset clause, however, which lays down specifically the expiry date of the regulations. It then follows that the Minister and the Government must make a decision. That decision must be based on balance and whether the regulations in place are required to be extended for a specific period. There may be only one extension and then a full debate on the situation would be needed again or whatever. The question remains with the Minister. The Government has the responsibility to protect public health. The responsibility of the Minister is whether adequate provision has been made to protect public health in all circumstances that might prevail over the next two, three or six months or whatever the case may be. Is that not true?