On behalf of the Civil Engagement group, I congratulate the Cathaoirleach on his election to the role. I know he is somebody who has great respect for the Seanad and an ambition for the role that it can and does play. Indeed, he has an ambition for the even greater role it could play were we to deliver the Seanad reform that is still on the agenda, whether or not it is included in the programme for Government. The Cathaoirleach has a proven record of commitment to rights and inclusion at home and abroad and I am su…

I had intended to propose an amendment to this motion to require a review of the Offences against the State (Amendment) Act and the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Act. However, given the statements made by the outgoing Minister, Deputy Flanagan - and I acknowledge him as somebody who came very regularly to this House and engaged very respectfully and actively with it - on the intention to have a review over the course of the year, I have not tabled that amendment. I do, however, wish to comment a little on the nature…

I welcome the Minister to the House. As I stated when we met last week, I am conscious that, as Minster for Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Minister is also playing a key role in the global response to this. If at an appropriate point in the debate there is an opportunity to speak to that, I would appreciate it because this is a global pandemic and we must be in international solidarity now. Particularly, I am concerned for those in developing countries who Ireland has supported. At a time when universal healthcare …

I move amendment No. 6: In page 8, to delete lines 3 to 6 and substitute the following: “(i) the nature and potential impact of Covid-19 on individuals, society and the State, (ii) the capacity of the State to respond to the risk to public health, (iii) the need to restrict the movement of persons in order to prevent the spread of the disease among the population, the making of such order is in the public interest, (iv) the policies and objectives of the Government to protect the health and welfare of members of th…

I thank the Minister for his response. I know he addressed similar issues in the Dáil. He spoke about when we emerge from this. It is important that when we do, we reflect in terms of what we have just heard about the idea of anything being balanced against the common good - the common good to which everybody, including responsible business, is stepping up. We have seen the businesses that have put the welfare of their community, staff, society and public health ahead of profit. We have seen those who have done tha…

I will withdraw the amendment in the context of our co-operation but I anticipate we will be returning to this matter.

I move amendment No. 8: In page 8, between lines 6 and 7, to insert the following: "(iv) the policies and objectives of the Government to protect the health and welfare of members of the public, and (v) the role of adequate housing in protecting public safety,".

I have just realised that an amendment of mine is included in this grouping. Again, we have heard very well made points from Senators Gavan and Ruane. With regard to amendment No. 13, will the Minister confirm that the obligations of landlords continue? A point was made of stating in the Bill that the obligations of tenants continue during this time. I ask that it be stated that the obligations of landlords are also maintained during the emergency period. We do not want, for example, people to be left in unsafe sit…

It is not clear to me whether this is covered by the amendments Deputy Bríd Smith successfully made to the Bill last night but many students who are renting accommodation, along with many others, are involved with the rent-a-room scheme. I have heard serious concern expressed in this regard. I have seen universities pleading with landlords not to evict students who have left, or who may have to leave, the country or to increase their rents. There are a number of specific circumstances. It sounds a cautionary note a…

I move amendment No. 15: In page 10, between lines 13 and 14, to insert the following: “PART 3 AMENDMENT OF HOUSING (MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS) ACT 1992 Prohibition of removal of current temporary dwellings from certain locations 9. Section 10 of the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1992 shall not have effect during the emergency period. ”. The Minister will be well aware of the explicit concerns that many representatives of Traveller organisations and advocacy groups have raised in respect of the 2,000 Travel…

I request that the Minister would provide the rest of his speech in writing, which would be of great assistance. I thank him for clarifying those points.

I will be brief. I compliment Senator Devine on these amendments. I raised this issue last week, and I join with her in urging the Minister to ensure this is dealt with through regulation and that a process is fast-tracked. There are many skilled individuals and talented people in our system. I mentioned Sudan last week, for example, where many doctors were involved in the revolution and are refugees in our system. These are good amendments, and I urge the Minister to try to find another way to put them into effect…

There is that same concern around trying to ensure we do everything we can to ensure appropriate advice is taken. The amendments put forward by Senators Clifford-Lee and Devine are very constructive. I am conscious that we may not come to my amendment, which is amendment No. 37, which is a bit later. That amendment was aimed more at addressing the consequence but it involves that same principle, which is-----

The reason I put down amendment No. 37 is that same principle, which is basically that it is important that we endeavour always to try to have the best psychological advice relating to decisions that are rights-based issues on mental health. Rather than look to excuses to bypass that process, we should look for mechanisms to make it happen.

I move amendment No. 37: In page 23, line 21, to delete “subsection.”,” and substitute the following: “subsection. (3C) The exemption outlined under subsection (3B), shall not be applicable on more than three consecutive occasions in relation to the same individual.”,”. The Minister's argument to the effect that remote consultation is implied is very clear. I welcome also the clarification yesterday from the Minister for Health, Deputy Harris, on consultation and examination for those seeking emergency contraceptio…

I will withdraw the amendment. I thank the Minister for the assurance from the Mental Health Commission.

A Chathaoirligh-----

Are we discussing section 28?

I am just asking if it is section 28.

Yes, but I had indicated I wished to speak on section 28. I am entitled to speak on it, with respect.