Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 10 September 2020
24. Deputy Gino Kenny asked the Minister for Justice the role her Department will play in overseeing new regulations being brought in by the Minister for Health that will be made into criminal offences under section 13 of the new Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018; if there will be a vote taken in Dáil Éireann prior to the regulations becoming law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22926/20]
View answer33. Deputy Bríd Smith asked the Minister for Justice if a commitment will be given that new regulations that are to become criminal offences by section 13 of the new Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018 will be debated and voted on by Dáil Éireann prior to the regulations becoming law; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22923/20]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 24 and 33 together.
Section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Corruption Offences) Act 2018 has no relevance here.
It may be that the Deputy has in mind section 13 of the Criminal Justice (Enforcement Powers) (Covid-19) Bill 2020. This will enable the Minister for Health to prescribe penal Covid-19 regulations, breaches of which are offences under section 31A of the Health Act 1947, to be enforceable under the Bill in respect of licensed premises and clubs. The Bill provides for compliance notices, immediate closure orders, emergency closure orders and temporary closure orders, as well as new grounds for objection to renewal of licences or club certificates.
In making regulations under section 31A, the Minister for Health consults relevant Ministers. Any such regulations are, under the 1947 Act, laid before both Houses, and can be annulled by resolution of either House within 21 sitting days.
