A system of fines to ensure COVID-19 restrictions are being adhered to is expected to come into force this week.
The fines for breaches of public health regulations will likely be introduced at the end of the third week of Level 5 restrictions, according to the Irish Times.
The maximum fines were set out in legislation last month but the exact amounts for specific offences have yet to be officially announced.
However, it's reported that in terms of the amounts, those who host or travel to house parties, refuse to wear a mask or travel beyond 5km for non-essential reasons will face fines ranging from about €60 up to €2,500.
Refusing to wear a mask on public transport and in shops will see people fined between €60 and €100. Travelling beyond 5km from your home unless for essential reasons, between €60 and €100.
Fines for repeat offences carry a maximum penalty of €500. Hosting or travelling to a house party can result in a €1,000 fine, while repeat offenders can face up to €2,500 and six months in prison.
Those who refuse to pay their fines may end up before the courts where sanctions include increased financial penalties, community service and prison as a final sanction.
The official details of the fine system are being drafted by the Departments of Health and Justice and are expected to be signed into law by Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly later this week.
At present, the Department of Health said the introduction of the system was an “urgent priority” for Government but declined to say when the legal instrument enacting the fines would be published and signed.
During a previous interview with Newstalk, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said the new system of fines were delayed because the Gardai needed more time to update their Pulse system.
"The legislation itself has been signed by the President, but it will take a number of days for the Gardaí. They have to update their systems under the Pulse system, so we expect to have that in the coming days. As people might be aware, there are already penalties there for a lot of the provisions that will be included under these fine systems," she said.
Minister McEntee adds: "So whether it's the five-kilometre limit, whether it's wearing face masks in public, on public transport or in shops or some of the other penal provisions... it's a very severe penalty of up to €2,500 or potentially six months in prison. These fines will obviously be more graduated, and I think - and the Minister for Health obviously feels - would be more appropriate for the breach that we're talking about but this is something that will come in very soon."
