Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 November 2020
411. Deputy Carol Nolan asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs the details of all applications made by his Department to the Oireachtas business committee to waive pre-legislative scrutiny of primary and secondary legislation sponsored or initiated by his Department from 1 January 2017 to date; the outcomes of such applications; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [37895/20]
Amharc ar fhreagraSince 1 January, 2017, the Department has sought approval from the Oireachtas Business Commitee to waive pre-legislative scrutiny on two occasions, both in relation to Brexit legislation.
A request was made on 24 January 2019, in respect of the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2019, and a further request was made on 23 September 2020 in respect of the the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union (Consequential Provisions) Bill 2020. Both these Bills were Omnibus Bills consisting of multiple parts under the remits of multiple Ministers. In both cases, the Business Committee agreed to waive the normal pre-legislative scrutiny procedure, subject to each of the relevant sectoral Oireachtas Committees being provided with a briefing by the relevant Minister and Department. Such briefings were, of course, provided.
The 2020 Brexit Omnibus Bill completed Second Stage in the Dáil on 12 November. Committee and Report Stages will be taken on 25 and 26 November. The 2020 Bill will support a number of the required Brexit readiness measures being put in place for the end of the transition period on 31 December 2020. It is necessary that the Bill is enacted as a matter of priority, so that it and associated secondary legislation can be commenced before 31 December.
