4.—(1) The Government may, whenever they consider the circumstances are of such a nature as to warrant their so doing, by order under this subsection declare that a state of emergency exists.

(2) The Government may by order under this subsection revoke any order made under subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Whenever an order is made by the Government under subsection (1) of this section declaring that a state of emergency exists, then, so long as such order remains in force, a period of emergency shall be deemed for the purpose of this Act to exist, and the expression “period of emergency” shall in this Act be construed accordingly.

(4) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before each House of the Oireachtas and be published in the Iris Oifigiúil.

(5) If, at the time an order is made under this section, either House of the Oireachtas stands adjourned, that House shall be summoned to meet as soon as conveniently may be but in any event not later than twenty-one days after the order is made.