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The Dáil voted in favor of a new bill that will introduce a series of fines to enforce Covid-19 rules.
The new legislation will give gardaí the power to impose fines on those found to be in violation of the pandemic regulations.
Fines include a possible € 500 fine on the spot for those who do not wear a mask on public transport or in stores, or for those who travel beyond the five-kilometer limit on Level 5.
Other crimes, such as organizing a house party, could carry a maximum fine of € 2,500 and / or up to six months in prison for repeat offenders.
Sinn Féin has said that the government is asking for a “blank check” with the implementation of the legislation and that more time should be given to examine the bill.
“The application of those fines, to what they will be applied, will not be for the members of this chamber,” said the party’s health spokesman, David Cullinane.
“It will only be that you establish it, as a regulation. And what he asks us to do is give him a blank check so that we can write the regulations.
The goal is to prevent the kind of behavior that endangers others.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee said the new fine system is not designed to punish people, but to prevent behaviors that “endanger others.”
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“The proposed fixed-charge system will hopefully help change behavior,” he said.
“It is important to note, however, that the objective of the Government here is not to trap people, it is not to try to punish people who adhere to the guidelines, or even those who make mistakes because we all make mistakes, the objective it is preventing the kind of behavior that endangers others.
“We don’t want to see a large number of fines issued for non-compliance.”
The bill is expected to go before the Seanad for approval later today.
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