Tipperary Independent TD Mr Michael Lowry has stated that news which the Government signed into legislation last night (Tuesday April 7th) which granted emergency powers to Gardaí is very welcome, particularly in advance of Easter weekend and anticipated good weather.
Under this legislation Gardaí will retain these powers during the Covid-19 crisis, which grant them the ability to force people to return to their homes. Up to last night the Gardai could only advise people to do so.
The announcement was made on last night’s RTE ‘Prime Time’ programme by Minister for Health Mr Simon Harris, latter who declared that the legislation would be formally signed last night and that the decision had followed a meeting between himself, An Taoiseach, Garda Representatives and the Chief Medical Officer.
Gardai will continue their high-profile patrols, but now with additional powers to force people to return to their homes if they are out without a valid reason. However, Minister Harris stated that it is hoped that these powers will not need to be used.
He said that people have been responding responsibly to the public health crisis and have been following the advice given, but that now is not the time to slacken.
Deputy Lowry reiterated his recent advice to people to continue the fight against the Covid-19 virus and not to become complacent. He urged, yet again, that people follow the advice of the health experts in the days and weeks ahead, for their own sakes and for the sake of others.
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