I acknowledge what the Minister of State said regarding his commitment to dealing with this issue. I also acknowledge what he, the Minister, Deputy Coveney, and the Taoiseach have done and the solidarity with the Belarusian people they have expressed. I am very heartened by what he said on the opportunities that may arise this week to advance matters and I am very encouraged by the fact that Ireland clearly supports sanctions against Belarus. This is an important step. I regret, as the Minister of State said, that …

Ar dtús báire, déanaim comhghairdeas leis an Leas-Chathaoirleach as ucht a bheith tofa mar Leas-Chathaoirleach an tSeanaid. I will not take the full five minutes as I will only make a brief contribution on this Bill. It is very important legislation. As we have heard, it has been a long time in the birthing process and in coming before this House. In that regard, it is unfortunate to describe it as unnecessary, a waste of time or ill-timed. The reality is that we do not always get to choose the timing of the legisl…

Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire ar ais arís go dtí an Teach. This is important legislation. The Minister has outlined the basis on which she has brought it before the House. In the first instance, as was raised on the Order of Business, several Senators are concerned that the legislation is being taken through all Stages in one day. I think the Minister will acknowledge that so doing is not desirable, but in the case of this legislation, it is necessary. The Minister remarked on how section 17 contains a sunset clause …

Anois.

I want to address briefly what Senator Ruane said. I understand, and it was expressed in the debate in the Dáil also, that there were concerns about the protection of dwelling places in this legislation. I understand also where the motivation for this amendment is coming from but I disagree that it is not clearly set out in the Bill. Section 2 clearly defines the relevant premises to which the legislation applies. It refers to any premises where intoxicating liquor is sold or supplied for consumption on the premise…

It is.

Senator McDowell started his contribution by wondering if he might have strayed a little from the topic that is before the House. It is fair to say that he did given that the regulations to which he referred are not made under this Act, although they are made under a section which is referred to in this Act.

Senator McDowell had a lengthy and repetitive contribution on this issue. The time is now mine. He started by wondering if he had strayed from this amendment. He definitely had.

The subject of the amendment has absolutely nothing to do with gambling legislation.

What was most pointed about the Senator's contribution was a question he asked. He asked whether money was talking in the political system. That was an unfortunate question and I believe he should withdraw it and the associated comments he made. He asked this question as if these institutions did not exist when he was in the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform. It is regrettable that he would throw that around without a scintilla of evidence having been presented. It is merely a smear which he has thrown…

I listened to the contribution of Senator Higgins and that of Senator Bacik when she moved the amendment. I entirely accept their legitimate concerns. I also watched the debate in the Dáil on the amendment brought forward by Senator Bacik's party colleague, Deputy Howlin. That debate was unfortunately hijacked by many others who had other agendas. The point the Deputy was making is sound and needs to be looked at. Senator Bacik said that, when passed, this legislation will significantly expand the powers of An Gard…

I hope that the Riviera county, as we now call it, does not have any such establishments. I have great respect for Senator McDowell and, in particular, his knowledge and experience in this area. I stated that this issue does not have anything to do with the amendment because it is not the case that the Minister's decision to make regulations somehow renders these establishments lawful. I make no comment on whether they are lawful as I do not know enough about the matter to do so and I like to restrain myself, where…

Now.

Now.

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 Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) 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.

I intended to specifically address section 14 but, having listened to the debate, there are a couple of other points I wish to discuss. I have been struck by the piety of some contributions, particularly on the part of Sinn Féin Senators, and the contradictions contained therein. As is their wont, and as they did before the election, those in Sinn Féin promise everything but are not in a position to deliver anything. In fact, the vacant promises we have heard from them are more damaging than anything else. We heard…

With regard to the concerns expressed around the rushing of this legislation, I agree with the Senators and, in fairness, I believe the Minister of State does too. Nobody wants to have a situation where, as we have, every piece of legislation that has come before the Twenty-sixth Seanad has gone through all Stages in a very short period of time. In every instance there has been a logical and necessary basis for that, but nobody thinks it is desirable. I have discussed this with many of the Ministers who have come b…

Yes, but the issue is raised in the context of this discussion.

If the Leas-Chathaoirleach is telling me I should not discuss that then I will leave it. There is no need-----

It is okay. I can leave it. The issue has been addressed by other speakers. I will leave it at that. Go raibh maith agat.