Niall Ó Donnghaile (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Cuirim fáilte ar ais roimh an Aire. I want to speak to my amendments in the group, Nos. 2 and 4. I have spoken at length about the rationale for them. The Opposition groups in the Seanad are seeking to do similar things but in a different way and with different intended outcomes. The discussion we had yesterday was respectful, by and large. From right across the Chamber and, indeed, the Minister, we heard concerns over the level of power being gifted to the Minister. We heard from Members across the House on the merits of such draconian powers being brought back for regular scrutiny and approval and for a regular vote by the Oireachtas. That is entirely appropriate and in keeping with proper parliamentary procedure. That is really the purpose of my two amendments in this group and similar amendments concerning other sections of the Bill. I seek to replace the word "November" with "July" and to bring the Minister back here to give us an early opportunity to engage with him, hopefully in a much more comprehensive way and in a way that affords us, as parliamentarians and legislators, an opportunity to properly scrutinise the measures. I have said consistently during our consideration in the House of legislation pertaining to the emergency that while we understood the position and wanted to work collaboratively with the Government and other parties, additional time had to be given to us. I appreciate entirely that we were operating in a different set of circumstances throughout last year but we should have more than just one hour in which to engage on Committee and Remaining Stages of such important legislation. Before even getting into all the other arguments that Members across the House and, indeed, the Minister made yesterday, the fact that we have only one hour in which to deal with this legislation today champions my argument that the Minister should come back here in July.

Having worked well with colleagues in the Civil Engagement and Independent groups, I believe our motion is the way to go. I say respectfully to colleagues that I will not be able to support their amendments but I understand why they have been tabled. July — in the course of the summer and in the context of what we have to deal with at that time — is an appropriate time for the Minister to come back. I look forward to being able to move amendments Nos. 2 and 4.