Ciarán Ahern (Dublin South West, Labour)

I move amendment No. 23:

In page 16, between lines 14 and 15, to insert the following: “(2) An order under section 44A shall continue in operation for a period of 12 months (the “relevant period”) and that period of operation may be extended for such further period or periods, each not exceeding 6 months, as is specified in a resolution passed by each House of the Oireachtas—

(a) in the case of the first period of extension, before the expiry of the relevant period, or

(b) where the relevant period stands extended or further extended by a resolution under this subsection, before the expiry, in accordance with the resolution, of the relevant period as so extended or further extended.”.

This is a sort of sunset clause on the amendment.

We have suggested that an order continue in existence for 12 months, unless renewed or continued by resolution of the Houses of the Oireachtas. As we are giving additional powers, it is just to have checks and balances around that.