States seek further emergency legislation

States seek further emergency legislation

This is due to include proposals lodged by Chief Minister John Le Fondré that aim to allow the courts to continue operating safely, through measures such as enabling remote hearings with video technology, allowing the Bailiff to sit alone on certain matters and reducing the number of Jurats required to attend Superior Number sittings for more serious cases.

The ‘virtual sitting’ is due to be held remotely.

Deputy Montfort Tadier has lodged a proposition which, if approved, would allow court hearings to be livestreamed to the public, in a bid to ensure compliance with human rights protocols.

Social Security Minister Judy Martin has lodged proposals to access £5.3 million from the Health Insurance Fund to help fund consultations and prescriptions for those at risk of infection, or already infected by, the Coronavirus.

And Health Minister Richard Renouf’s proposition would see him granted powers to declare a temporary ‘extraordinary period’ where it would become easier to detain patients with mental health issues.

The minister has also lodged proposals that, if approved, would allow him to temporarily grant medical professionals greater ability to restrict the activities of individuals who lack decision-making capacity.

Members will also debate a law change that would allow the BBC to provide concessionary TV licences to over-75s in the Island.

Deputy Tadier also lodged a further proposition calling for Liberty Bus to provide ‘thoroughfare’ tickets that allow Islanders to change buses within a time-limited period without paying extra fares. However, Infrastructure Minister Kevin Lewis confirmed that LibertyBus had agreed a new scheme for transfer tickets.

Under the new scheme, passengers requesting a transfer ticket will receive a ticket with an expiry time clearly displayed of within one hour of purchase which the driver will accept, enabling them to complete their onward journey on a second bus.

During oral questions, Deputy Tadier is due to ask the Chief Minister how many States Members were consulted before the decision to build the Nightingale Hospital at Millbrook was signed off.

Senator Kristina Moore plans to ask Economic Development Minister Lyndon Farnham if further business support measures are being considered by the government.

And Constable Deirdre Mezbourian will quiz Senator Le Fondré on what legal support is being provided for lower income Islanders during the pandemic.

Environment Minister John Young and Deputy Renouf are due to face questions without notice.

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