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Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Reachtaíocht a Gealladh - Questions on Promised Legislation

Renewal of emergency powers

Summary

Deputy Bríd Smith asked for full scrutiny, an all-party committee and a Dáil debate before any extension of emergency Garda powers. The Taoiseach said there would be full scrutiny and a full Dáil debate on any legislative proposals under the Health Act.

There are four Deputies remaining. If they will agree to put their questions in 30 seconds - we will put the 30 seconds up on the clock - I will take them. If that is not acceptable, I am afraid we will have to move on. Is that agreed? Agreed. The first Deputy up is Deputy Bríd Smith.

Comment on this

We will have another go at asking the Taoiseach this question. The emergency powers conferred on gardaí last year are due to expire on 9 June but it is rumoured that the Government wants to extend them even further. If that is so, will the Taoiseach insist that, at the very least, we will have full scrutiny of such an advancement and will he also create an all-party committee and have a full Dáil debate on this matter before the emergency powers are extended?

Comment on this

There will be full scrutiny and there will be a full Dáil debate on any legislative proposals the Government has in respect of the Health Act. That Act was necessary in the context of Covid-19.

Comment on this