Martin Mansergh (Tipperary South, Fianna Fail)

I will begin by replying to the amendments in the strict meaning, after which I propose to address some of the broader issues raised. The inclusion of a review section in the Bill seems to me to be the Government's response to the meaning of the term "emergency". The provision of an annual review mechanism is consistent with the title of the legislation. Section 13 provides for an annual review of the operation of the measures in the Bill, consideration of whether its provisions continue to be necessary and the making of findings as the Minister considers appropriate. A report of the review will be laid before each House of the Oireachtas. Therefore, next year, the Minister will carry out a review of the operation, effectiveness and impact of the legislation, having regard to the overall economic conditions in the State and national competitiveness at that time.

A similar approach was adopted under the terms of section 11 of the Minimum Wage Act 2000, where the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment takes account of these considerations when setting the minimum wage. The Minister can consider whether or not any of the provisions of this Bill continue to be necessary having regard to the purposes of the legislation, and will make findings consequent on such review and consideration and cause a written report of his findings to be prepared and laid before each House of the Oireachtas.

Given the situation we face, and which is also faced by Governments throughout the European Union and elsewhere, I am not prepared to accept these amendments. We are not in a position to foresee the circumstances in which we may find ourselves in two years' time and I would not care to prejudge the position, as these amendments seek to do. However, the Minister will review the position on an annual basis and report to the Houses of the Oireachtas when he has done so.

Various points were made about emergency legislation. According to my mathematics, the 1939 legislation to which reference was made was initiated 70 years ago rather than 60 years ago.