Paul Gavan (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I move amendment No. 1:

In page 4, after line 33, to insert the following: “ “relevant statutory instrument” means any regulation made under the sections inserted in the Act of 1947 by—

(a) this Act,

(b) the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020;

(c) the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (Covid-19) Act 2020;

(d) the Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Act 2020;

(e) the Health (Amendment) Act 2020; and

(f) the Health (Amendment) (No. 2) Act 2021.”.

I thank the Minister of State. It has been a good debate in respect of people expressing their views not only concerning why we are reluctant to support this legislation but also why it must be enacted. We have also detailed the experiences that, unfortunately, all of us have had regarding those fringe elements and some of the poisonous comments we are all receiving. There is something we can do in that regard and that is why we will be pressing amendments Nos. 1 and 2.

Let me be clear, again, that Sinn Féin supports this legislation and we will be supporting this Bill. However, we feel that there has been a lack of oversight, and sometimes the consequences have spilled out to affect all of us. If we had more consultation and oversight, that would give an airing to democratic debate which, at times, has been lacking. It has been frustrating for Members of the Opposition at times just to hear announcements without any consultation beforehand. It has happened on several occasions. These amendments therefore are intended to build-in that required parliamentary oversight.

Amendment No. 1 basically gives us a definition for amendment No. 2.

In amendment No. 2, we are seeking to ensure that any regulations made under this proposed legislation must first be approved by the Oireachtas two days before they come into effect. I think that is a reasonable request.