Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister and absolutely accept that he does not set the Seanad's Order of Business. That is certainly not the point I was trying to make but, nevertheless, I still believe my point is valid in the broader context. The Minister spoke about the crux of the issue being extension. I accept that with regard to what he is trying to do but, for us, the extension is too great. By proposing to change the word "November" to the word "July" and for us to come back here in July, I am not suggesting that it is a fait accomplithat the powers will lapse at that point. Neither am I suggesting that we no longer want public health advice and guidance to be taken or that we want everything to stop on 9 July. That is not at all the case. What I want is further oversight and further parliamentary scrutiny.

The Minister has made an interesting proposal with regard to what he intends to do on Committee Stage in the Dáil. I say respectfully that it probably would have been better if we had heard about this proposal before coming into the Chamber rather than hearing about it in the midst of the debate but I understand that it is a rapidly moving situation given the tight window of time. The Minister will understand and appreciate, however, that we have to operate within our political confines and the legislative realities as they are laid before us in the Seanad. I do not doubt for one second that the Minister will have proposals to make on Committee Stage in the Dáil. He specified the caveat that he has to go to Cabinet first and I understand that as well. I am sure my colleagues in the Dáil will engage and interact with the Minister on the basis of what is brought before the Dáil on Committee Stage but at this stage, in the Seanad, I still feel that the extension of these powers out to 9 November should be looked at again. I believe 9 July would be an opportune time. I take on board what the Minister has said. Nobody is saying that this will be over on 9 July but I believe, for the reasons mentioned in the arguments of colleagues right across the House, that level of scrutiny and oversight is warranted.

I have a great deal of sympathy for what Senator Higgins outlined with regard to her own amendment and what it seeks to do but, unfortunately, because I do not believe we should kick this out to 9 November and give the Government carte blanchewithout reserving an opportunity to engage again with the Minister, it would be difficult for me to support it.

I also asked the Minister yesterday about the correspondence from his counterpart Minister, Robin Swann, and his public utterances. I do not believe these engagements should be done via the airways or even in this House. I welcome the fact that the Minister has written back to the Minister, Robin Swann. That engagement should have been happening at a far more substantial and significant level way earlier but, if it is now happening, I wish it well. I hope it is as effective and consistent as it needs to be.