Damien English (Meath West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I will speak on amendments Nos. 6 and 7 first. Both seek to have the three-month emergency period extended to 12 months. We think that is unnecessary. Section 4 makes adequate provision that, should the need arise, the Government can extend the emergency period beyond three months, as it is necessary, taking into consideration the relevant factors at the time and the advice of the Minister for Health. Again, we are bringing in these emergency powers based on the emerging public health issue. In fairness, I know the Deputy has other policy considerations concerning economic issues that may go longer than 12 months. Beyond that, however, we would need a different conversation. These emergency powers are based on advice and we believe it is fine to enact these for the public health reasons and the public health emergency. We think it is a bit too far to go beyond that with the legislation. We do not think it is necessary. There is a provision to extend this up to November if needs be, as well.

Regarding amendments Nos. 8 and 13, the Minister for Housing, Planning and Local Government must request a Government order to be made, but can only do so having consulted with the Minister for Health and with the consent of the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The aforementioned Ministers must be satisfied that it is appropriate to extend the emergency period, having regard to the threat to public health. The reason we are having this conversation is this threat to public health, the highly contagious nature of Covid-19 and the need to restrict the movement of people to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Under section 4(2) of the Bill, a Government order made under that section shall be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and "if a resolution annulling the order is passed by either such House within the next 21 days". Basically, the House can annul this if it is not happy with it. The danger here-----

See this speech in context