Alice-Mary Higgins (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Amendment No. 13 refers to the restrictions which the Minister may choose to apply. I ask that restrictions the Minister will put in place be for a specific duration, subject to review at regular intervals and subject to appeal. As the Minister is given these sweeping powers, it is reasonable that we are assured that blanket new restrictions will not be put in place and simply left on the books. We must know, as with the Bill itself, that there is a defined period of time for each restriction and a mechanism for review. If there are unforeseen consequences of a restriction or regulation made by the Minister, there must be some mechanism whereby they can be appealed. We will be learning and evolving good practice together as we move forward.

Amendment No. 16 makes the same point about proportionality and aims to insert the word "proportionate" at another key point in the legislation.