Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020
The Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 (Act No. 1 of 2020; previously the Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020, Bill No. 3 of 2020) is an Act of the Oireachtas (Irish parliament) which provided for additional powers for the state in the extraordinary circumstances of the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020 | |
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Irish butcher implementing ad hoc social distancing measures | |
Oireachtas | |
Long title
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Citation | Act No. 1 of 2020 |
Territorial extent | Ireland |
Passed | 19 March 2020 |
Passed | 20 March 2020 |
Signed | 20 March 2020 |
Signed by | President Michael D. Higgins |
Commenced | 20 March 2020 |
Legislative history | |
Bill | Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020 |
Bill citation | Bill No. 3 of 2020 |
Bill published on | 16 March 2020 |
Introduced by | Minister for Health Simon Harris |
Amends | |
Health Act 1947; Social Welfare Consolidation Act 2005 | |
Summary | |
Gives the state the power to detain people, restrict travel and keep people in their homes in order to restrict the pandemic | |
Status: In force |
Owing to social distancing measures required to combat the virus, and at the written request of Ceann Comhairle Seán Ó Fearghaíl, the Dáil sitting to discuss the legislation on 19 March was limited to 48 TDs (11 each representing Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael and Sinn Féin, four Greens, three members of the Regional Group and two members of all other parties and groups). The legislation passed all stages, and, following requests by opposition TDs, included a sunset provision for review in November.[1] On 20 March, Seanad Éireann – also sitting in reduced numbers – passed the legislation after a three-hour debate.[2] President Michael D. Higgins signed the legislation into law later that day, giving the state the power to detain people, restrict travel and keep people in their homes in order to restrict the pandemic.[3]
This preceded the passing of the Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020 by one week.[4]
On 7 April, Minister Simon Harris signed regulations under provisions inserted in the Act, to restrict movement of persons and the holding of events, effective 8 April to 12 April.[5] This move, which Harris confirmed on Prime Time, gave gardaí extra powers to coincide with the Easter period.[6] Harris signed the regulations after meeting Garda Commissioner Drew Harris and Attorney General Séamus Woulfe, with the delay attributed to governmental lawyer indecision over precise wording and exact nature of the powers.[7] On 10 April, these measures were extended to 5 May.[8]
References
Sources
- "Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Act 2020", Irish Statute Book, Attorney General of Ireland, 20 March 2020, retrieved 4 April 2020
- "Health (Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest) Bill 2020", Bills in the Oireachtas, Oireachtas, retrieved 22 March 2020
Citations
- Ryan, Órla (19 March 2020). "Emergency Covid-19 legislation passes all stages in the Dáil". TheJournal.ie. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- Moore, Aoife (20 March 2020). "Seanad pass 'draconian' emergency Covid-19 legislation despite 'serious concerns'". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 22 March 2020.
- Kenny, Aisling (20 March 2020). "President Higgins signs emergency measures into law". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. Retrieved 20 March 2020.
- Walshe, Patrick (30 March 2020). "Emergency Measures in the Public Interest (COVID-19) Act 2020: A Briefing Note". www.philiplee.ie. Retrieved 25 April 2020.
- "Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) Regulations 2020". 7 April 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2020.
- Reynolds, Paul (8 April 2020). "Covid-19: Harris signs regulations for extra garda powers". RTÉ News and Current Affairs. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
- Cullen, Paul; Gallagher, Conor (7 April 2020). "Coronavirus: Minister signs regulations giving gardaí powers to enforce lockdown". The Irish Times. Retrieved 24 April 2020.
- "Health Act 1947 (Section 31A – Temporary Restrictions) (Covid-19) (Amendment) Regulations 2020". 10 April 2020. Retrieved 19 April 2020.