Minister for Health Simon Harris has said he will sign regulations tonight allowing gardai to enforce Covid-19 travel restrictions.
Speaking on RTE's Prime Time on Tuesday night, he confirmed gardai would be given “extra powers” to ensure people are not going further than two kilometres from their homes, except for an essential reason such as buying food or medicine or caring for a relative.
He added that this was not the time for “complacency” and urged Irish people to “stick the course”.
Mr Harris said that while there have been some encouraging signs, the virus was "not in sustainable position".
The legislation allows the State to shut down mass gatherings and can potentially order people in certain areas to remain inside their homes.
Authorities will also be able to shut down house parties and extra garda checkpoints will be in place this weekend ahead of the Easter Bank Holiday.
