THE Health Minister, Stephen Donnelly, says new legislation will give Gardaí new powers to issue on-the-spot fines to people not wearing face coverings.
The Minister will introduce a schedule of fines, from €20 to €100, for various breaches of public health measures.
“We will be looking at bringing in a new schedule of fines including for other compliance measures,” said Mr Donnelly.
“The flip side is that it does mean that the enforcement powers are less. There will not be penalties attaching to house parties.
“However, the Gardaí have done a great job and most people can be encouraged to comply and the Gardaí do have other powers under public order powers and others that can be used where appropriate.”
The Health Minister says he does not want to fine people for throwing house parties with more than six guests, noting that the threat of jail or a fine of €2,500 is ‘completely disproportionate’.
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