James Browne (Wexford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I am in something of a difficult position in that this is the Minister's Bill and I cannot step into her mind. I certainly cannot step into the mind of any future Minister. As I understand it, this is to be used only where there has been considerable consultation. I reiterate that if an order is to be made, it must be laid before the Houses under section 5(4). Any Minister, whether it is the current Minister or one of her successors, will have to lay any such order before the Houses, regardless of his or her intentions. It is to be expected that the Minister will have to explain the rationale behind the decision at that time. That is the protection measure that exists.