Fines for house parties and non-wearing of masks will not come into force for another week because of a red-tape delay.
Administrative obstacles have held up implementing legislation enacted almost a month ago.
Changes are needed to the Garda system so officers can issue fixed charge penalty notices.
Work by the State prosecutor and the Courts Service also needs to be finished.
Garda commissioner Drew Harris said on Thursday the fines would probably be in operation at the “tail end of next week”.
It is understood the final wording of the offence is being worked out with the DPP and the courts.
Under the new laws, people attending house parties in breach of Covid rules could be fined €150. Those organising a house party face fines of €500.
Anyone not wearing a face mask can be hit with an €80 fine.
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