Gardaí are set to be given new powers to implement tighter Covid-19 restrictions after Level Five comes into force tonight.
People who are caught organising or hosting house parties or other gatherings could soon be issued with an automatic €1,000 fine, or imprisonment for a month. The fine increases to €1,500 for a second party, or a three month prison sentence, and €2,500 for a third offence, or imprisonment for six months.
The new set of fines were agreed by Cabinet last night and are expected to become law “as soon as possible”.
Other penalties include on-the-spot fines to a maximum of €500 for people who refuse to wear face coverings on public transport or in shops without a valid reason. Other fines are expected to be introduced for those who break the 5km travel limit.
Level Five public health restrictions come into force at midnight. However, the fines system is not expected to be imposed for another week due to time needed to pass the legislation and the implementation of the measures by gardaí.