Plans for on the spot €50 fines for not wearing a face mask are not imminent but under review, a government spokesman has said.
It had been reported that Tanáiste Leo Varadkar told a Fine Gael Parliamentary Party last night that Ministers were preparing to bring in the fines.
They were also reported to be considering €200 fines for anyone who is caught travelling outside of their county.
However, Fine Gael Minister of State Patrick O’Donovan has said the Tanaiste “didn’t say anybody is preparing to do anything”.
He said Leo Varadkar gave a run down on the implementation of 'Level 3' measures to the party members.
A Government spokesman told the Irish Mirror that all options are under review but there are no immediate plans now to bring in a new system of fines.
He added: “The law already provides for fines of €2,500 for breach of some laws like organising a gathering or not wearing a mask on public transport.”
Mr O’Donovan said he spoke to Justice Minister Helen McEntee last night about policing Level 3 restrictions.
He said Ms McEntee is “open-minded” to see what will happen after the three week period at Level 3 but it was not the case that on the spot fines would be introduced then either.
The Limerick TD told RTE’s Claire Byrne that the Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said the policing model is about “encouraging and educating people” about their responsibilities to suppress the virus.
