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THE GOVERNMENT IS considering introducing graduated fines for those who travel between counties for nonessential reasons and for other violation of the restrictions.
Following a meeting of senior officials this morning, the Taoiseach confirmed that fines are being considered.
As reported by TheJournal.ie This morning, Tánaiste Leo Varadkar raised the prospect of a gradual fine system, such as not wearing a mask or leaving the county when there are restrictions, at the Fine Gael parliamentary party meeting last night.
One idea being considered for the incremental fines is a € 50 fine on the spot for not wearing a face mask or leaving your county during restrictions. A spokesman for the Tánaiste said:
“The law already provides fines of € 2,500 for non-compliance with certain laws such as organizing a meeting or not wearing a mask on public transport. All options are under review … but at this time there are no plans for a new penalty system. “
It is understood that the government is concerned about the task of enforcing the law by the gardaí given the high sanction, with the idea that perhaps something smaller, such as a fine of 20 to 50 € for leaving the county or not using a mask, it would work better.
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has also raised concerns about what would happen if people refuse to pay the fines.
It is understood that the system is unlikely to be implemented in the short term, as it would require legislation.
Level 3 compliance
Speaking today at the Dáil, Micheál Martin confirmed that the Covid public officials subcommittee met this morning to discuss the application of Level 3.
Martin said there are concerns about Northern Ireland and that there is “clearly a glut” of cases from Northern Ireland to the Republic.
The Taoiseach says the subcommittee will meet on Friday and the government has asked NPHET for any further action, as “we have to take to protect nursing homes, we are very concerned.”
The vigilance committee is chaired by the state’s highest-ranking official, the Secretary General of the Government, Martin Fraser. Provides oversight of NPHET recommendations and their practical implications for society and the economy.
The Taoiseach also told the Dáil that the government expects to see an increase in the number of people applying for Pandemic Unemployment Payment (PUP).
He said they expect between 50,000 and 60,000 people to apply for the social welfare payment by Friday as a result of the country entering Level 3.
He said that as of last night, 17,000 additional applications had been received.
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Martin also told the Dáil today that he met with medical director Tony Holohan this morning. The meeting follows Monday’s controversy in which the government rejected his advice to move to Level 5.
Varadkar also publicly criticized the CMO for the merits of its recommendations.
The Taoiseach said he had a good discussion with Holohan and praised him for his commitment to the country and for returning “to help the country.”
He said they both have a shared goal of getting the country through the pandemic.
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