Mr. Liam Herrick:

In terms of how we might modify the powers that are in place, I have just received a note from a colleague. I understand that while this meeting has been under way, the Minister has indicated in the Seanad that he intends to bring forward an amendment to the effect that the provision for three-month extensions would be for only one-three month extension rather than an indefinite number. That is a positive step but it does not go far enough. It is essential that the Oireachtas should be given a role in overseeing the introduction of any regulations. Many practical suggestions have been made on how this could be done, for example, a period of time would be allowed and regulations would lapse if they were not approved by the Oireachtas. We hope that might be taken on board by the Dáil in the coming days.

The Chairman raised an important point to the effect that we need to bring the people with us. From our perspective in terms of civil liberties and human rights, what we have seen during the past 14 months is an incredible demonstration of solidarity by the Irish people, with the population sacrificing their rights and civil liberties for the protection of the most vulnerable in our communities. That is incredibly impressive and we should recognise and celebrate it. However, it behoves the Government to reciprocate and prioritise the restoration of people’s rights. The concern is that more priority seems to be attached to the reopening of the economy than of a return to normal civil liberties and democratic rights. If we were to reintroduce democratic controls, we would get better outcomes in terms of better rules laws but we would also defuse matters with regard to much of the negative disinformation. We would be showing people that we are taking their rights seriously. That would take much of the heat out of arguments of those who might be advancing conspiracy theories or other suggestions that the Government is engaged in something nefarious. In fairness to the Oireachtas and the Government, their first priority is the protection of health and we should all be coming behind that. There is an opportunity this week and next week for the Oireachtas to show that it is taking rights seriously, reintroducing democratic protections and taking away extraordinary temporary powers from the Minister for Health because this is the right time to do that.