Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

When we refer to "or otherwise", it is only with regard to section 31A(7) of the Health Act 1947. The penal provisions have been signed into law and have been published by the Department of Health. They are clear for people to see. The "or otherwise" cannot refer to anything outside of those specific penal provisions that have been approved and have come before the Dáil, which are now on the Department of Health's website for people to see. It is clear that it does not refer to anything else. Deputy Howlin talks about the direction. The direction as outlined in section 1 is for the implementation of this legislation but there is already a provision under the Health Act which allows for gardaí to enter where they see that the penal provision under this section has been breached. It merely outlines that and states that it is a penal provision related to this legislation. It is already there. The phrase "or otherwise" is pointing out that the provision is already there and that gardaí know that they can enter that premises.

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