Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020: Motion for Earlier Signature
Seanad Éireann — 2020-03-20
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Senator James Reilly

I move:
That pursuant to subsection 2° of section 2 of Article 25 of the Constitution, Seanad Éireann concurs with the Government in a request to the President to sign the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020 on a date which is earlier than the fifth day after the date on which the Bill shall have been presented to him.

Denis O'Donovan (CC), Agricultural Panel

When is it proposed to sit again?

Senator James Reilly

It may not be until after the election. May I make a brief comment?

Alice-Mary Higgins (IND), National University of Ireland

We have been waiting patiently.

Denis O'Donovan (CC), Agricultural Panel

The sitting is over. If I allow one Senator contribute, I would have to allow everybody to do so.

Alice-Mary Higgins (IND), National University of Ireland

Senator Devine was waiting very patiently.

Senator James Reilly

I will make one final comment. I will not stand in Senator Devine's way.

Máire Devine (SF), Labour Panel

I had a big speech organised on the amendment.

Denis O'Donovan (CC), Agricultural Panel

No you cannot.

Máire Devine (SF), Labour Panel

That is okay.

Denis O'Donovan (CC), Agricultural Panel

If I allow anyone in I will be opening the shutters.

Senator James Reilly

I will be very brief. As Acting Leader, I thank everybody. It has been an honour to serve. I wish everyone going forward in the election the best of luck. To those who are not, I wish them well. I wish the Government, the Minister, Deputy Harris, his colleagues and those who will serve in the next Oireachtas the best of luck dealing with this very serious crisis.

Denis O'Donovan (CC), Agricultural Panel

I ask Senators, the Minister and all of his staff to stay safe and healthy. To those seeking re-election, I wish you well. To those not seeking re-election, I wish you a long and happy life outside of politics.

Jerry Buttimer (FG), Labour Panel

I wish to inform the House that we could be sitting next week. The Dáil is sitting.

Denis O'Donovan (CC), Agricultural Panel

Sin scéal eile. We are adjourning sine die .

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/seanad/2020-03-20/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-08-14T04:47:28+00:00
Sitting date: 2020-03-20