The hyperbole has been in full force this week as emergency laws were announced, published and enacted within days. The speed of their coming into law has matched the escalation of the threat posed by Coronavirus across Ireland and the world.
Health Minister Simon Harris introduced the new laws. His mantra over the past two days has been that while these powers are exceptional, the hope is never to use them.
But nevertheless, the perception of the authorities was that they were urgently required and must be available as the country tackles the unprecedented Covid-19 challenge.
So the dormant 33rd Dáil returned in a reduced format to pass its first legislation, joined by the outgoing Seanad. Not since the overnight sittings of the banking