Fines are being considered for house parties and breaking the 5 km rule



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Gardaí will receive new powers to fine people who celebrate house parties or violate travel restrictions under new measures agreed by the Cabinet on Tuesday.

Fines of € 60 are being considered for people who violate the 5 km restrictions that will take effect on Thursday.

A similar fine is also being considered for those who refuse to wear face masks in public areas such as shops and public transportation.

During the first confinement in March, people could be prosecuted in the District Court and punished with up to six months in prison and a fine of 2,500 euros for violating traffic restrictions that ranged from 2 to 20 km in various stages.

Under the proposed system, which is being discussed by Ministers, those who break the limit can receive a fixed-charge penalty notice, similar to a speeding ticket. Anyone making a nonessential trip more than 5 km from home could face the penalty.

Failure to pay the fee would result in mounting fines and eventually a court appearance and possible criminal conviction.

People who do not wear a mask on public transportation or in retail establishments will also face fines under the new legislation.

According to the new plans, gardaí can also knock on a door and break a house party, but they cannot enter the house. Instead they will ask the owner to break up the party and if they refuse to do so they will be fined a flat fee notice.

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