Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

On the same matter, this is farcical in the extreme. Section 13 gives the Minister for Health powers to introduce different regulations, as Deputy Howlin has alluded to. There is so much uncertainty around this area. We all bought into this situation in good faith back in March last and we did our best with regard to emergency sittings and legislation but this is a step too far. We are legislating to penalise and criminalise people and to further penalise a sector of the community that is already closed down and so it cannot break any rules. It should not be closed.

This is silly. The Rural Independent Group is vehemently opposed to this legislation. We are giving them these powers and we do not know if the Minister for Health will have the power even to authorise entry into people's homes. It is draconian.

See this speech in context