Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am sharing time with my colleague, Senator Higgins. I will take two minutes and she will have three.

The Minister is very welcome. I commend him on all the phenomenal work that he has done on the vaccine. I was in and out myself in half an hour, which was brilliant. I thank the Minister for that.

I co-signed some of the amendments tabled to this Bill by Senator Higgins with my colleague from the Civil Engagement Group, Senator Ruane. These amendments are vital if we are to extend the emergency provisions from 9 June to 9 November. The rationale for extension is understood because we are still in a position of uncertainty regarding the Covid-19 crisis. Although the situation looks to be improving, it is volatile and could deteriorate quickly. Due to that potential outcome we need protections.

As a result of the extensive powers given to the Government under the Act, it is appropriate that the Oireachtas should engage in regular and detailed scrutiny of the legislation because, up to this point, the degree of scrutiny afforded has been neither detailed nor regular. I am concerned about this matter. I do not think it is reasonable for the Government to propose that only one hour be given to the debate on Committee and Remaining Stages. Parliamentarians from both sides, Government and Opposition, have engaged in good faith with proposals which aimed to mitigate the spread of Covid-19. The majority of Deputies and Senators recognised the necessity of the laws which have been passed in the past year. The Department must recognise the gravity of the laws which the Oireachtas is being asked to renew. It is quite clear that one hour is not enough time to deal with the amendments to the Bill, which renews drastic public health measures across six items of legislation.

Before I finish and hand over to my colleague, I thank the Seanad Office for accommodating my request to have the submission of amendments deadline postponed until I and the other members of the Joint Committee on Health had an opportunity to be briefed and to ask questions about the Bill. Senator Higgins will now provide the details of our response to the Bill.