Written answers

Thursday, 12 November 2020

Department of Justice and Equality

Covid-19 Pandemic

Photo of Eoghan MurphyEoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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308. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality the number of persons who have been fined for breaching Covid-19 level 5 restrictions. [35906/20]

Photo of Helen McEnteeHelen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for policing the current Public Health regulations rests with the Garda Commissioner. Further, responsibility for the legislation underpinning the Public Health response lies with my colleague, the Minister for Health.

However, to be of assistance, I have contacted the Garda Commissioner and have been advised that since the Government's decision to place the country on Level 5 of the Plan for Living with COVID-19 from midnight on 21 October last, An Garda Síochána have recommenced Operation Fanacht nationwide as well as redeploying resources from the Garda College to support high visibility policing efforts.

An Garda Síochána continue to use the 'Four E's' approach in line with their strong tradition of community policing and policing by consent. This sees Garda members Engage with, Encourage and Educate members of the public on public health advice and regulations with Enforcement used only as a last resort.

Both the Policing Authority and the Gardaí provide regular reports and updates of An Garda Síochána's efforts during this difficult time and I am pleased to note that both the Authority and the Commissioner have noted high levels of compliance by the public and positive interaction between Gardaí and communities.

I am further advised that a new system of fines under the Health (Amendment) Act 2020, which was signed into law by the President on 25th of October, is not yet operational pending availability of the final regulations and accompanying offence wording and codes. As stated, this legislation rests with the Minister for Health. Once the Regulations have been made, An Garda Síochána will begin to implement changes to the fixed charge penalty computer system (FCPS) and make any necessary operational changes required to roll out the new system of fines.

A number of incidents involving suspected breaches of regulations under existing legislation have been referred to the DPP for decisions on whether or not to charge. The number of cases where the DPP has directed a charge or summons are summarised on the Garda website at the URLs below:

(under COVID statistics)

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