Bill is promulgated allowing Gardaí to issue fines for violating Covid-19 restrictions

President Michael D Higgins has signed into law a bill that allows gardaí to issue gradual fines to people who violate the latest Covid-19 guidelines.

The 2020 Health (Amendment) Bill passed the President’s desk this afternoon. The legislation amends the 1947 health law.

In a statement released this afternoon, the president’s office said: “Having considered the 2020 health (amendment) bill, the president has signed the bill and consequently it has become law.”

Under the new bill, gardaí may impose a fine of € 1,000 on people suspected of being a house party organizer, whether they are property owners or tenants.

In addition to the fine, the organizers of such events could face a prison term of one month.

Second offenders would face a fine of 1,500 euros, three months in prison, or both.

Third-time offenders could face a fine of 2,500 euros, six months in prison, or both.

The new bill also allows Gardaí to call properties hosting gatherings and ask those present to disperse. Anyone who fails to comply with the gardai’s request could also be fined € 1,000.

Finally, the bill also allows Gardaí to impose fines on people suspected, with reasonable cause, of planning to attend a meeting.

Earlier this week, Garda Commissioner Drew Harris expressed some reservations about the potential use of fines as a means of enforcing Covid-19 level 5 restrictions.

Speaking on Friday, Commissioner Harris said: “The good thing is the legislation supports this. I am a public servant, a good and faithful servant at that, and I will do what they tell me.

“We have fines, but they are set in a sphere of enforcement. We have to discern what our policy and practice is regarding that enforcement,” he said.