[ad_1]
The Gardaí will not receive additional powers to restrict the movements of people under Operation Fanacht, which will be reintroduced at midnight.
Gardaí says the operation will see a high level of Garda visibility and roadside checkpoints asking people to limit their movements.
However, government sources have confirmed that there are no plans to introduce legislative powers to enforce additional restrictions.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris will announce details of the police operation this afternoon.
Latest coronavirus stories
Large numbers of Gardaí will be on patrol starting at midnight and at checkpoints as part of a high-visibility police operation to support public compliance with the new Level 3 public health measures.
Gardaí says they will engage, educate and encourage people and only as a last resort will they use the app.
However, they currently have no legal authority to require individuals to comply with the restrictions, and government sources have confirmed that there are no plans to introduce criminal provisions into the law for those who refuse to comply with the guidelines.
Garda associations today expressed their concern about the situation.
Garda sergeants and inspectors are seeking clarification, while the Garda Representatives Association said advocating the “reasonable excuse” of people needing to travel beyond their county lines is a very difficult thing to do. drive for the Gardaí on the ground.
The Garda commissioner has confirmed that the Gardaí do not have the power under health regulations to dissolve house parties or large gatherings, but, as the law is in force, they also do not have the power to prevent people from traveling if there are no infractions of criminal law.
[ad_2]