The government's being accused of sending out mixed messages.
That's over the plans to give Gardaí greater powers to enforce Covid-19 restrictions.
New laws are to be published today allowing them to target pubs and restaurants.
However it'll only apply to ones who are not complying with health rules.
They decided against making gatherings of over 6 people a criminal offence though.
"It Becomes A Bit Toothless" If There's No Penal Provision
Antoinette Cunningham is the General Secretary of the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors.
She says the government need to consider how to enforce them.
"Is it practical and is it applicable, and does it carry a penal provision?"
"Because if it doesn't then really it becomes a bit toothless."
"For every interaction we had with members of the public during covid.
"We had a 97% positive interaction rate."
"But it's the minority of ones we're left to deal with."
"If you give us legislation that doesn't carry enforcement, calling the Gardaí means we really can't do anything about it."
I hear the pubs in Killarney were hopping this weekend. "Great session" is what I'm hearing.
— Stephen Bourke (@AnBurcach) August 10, 2020
Communication Is "Not Straight Forward Enough"
The organisation representing rank and file members of the force says the speculation around the new rules is confusing for both the public and Gardaí.
The Garda Representative Association says communication from Government isn't straight forward enough.
President of GRA Jim Mulligan says all the talk about the new powers is unhelpful.
"This thing of speculating for a week, I think it's two weeks in this case, before the Dáil sits in advance of legislation coming in."
"It's leading to confusion between our members and the public."
