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Fines Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 December 2020

Tuesday, 1 December 2020

Questions (580)

Michael McNamara

Question:

580. Deputy Michael McNamara asked the Minister for Justice the number of fines handed out by An Garda Síochána and the monetary value of the fines, pursuant to the new Health (Amendment) Act 2020, which amended the Health Act 1947; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39677/20]

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Written answers

As the Deputy will be aware, responsibility for policing the current Public Health regulations rests with the Garda Commissioner. Further, responsibility for the legislation underpinning the Public Health response lies with my colleague, the Minister for Health.

An Garda Síochána continue to use the 'Four Es' approach in line with their strong tradition of community policing and policing by consent. This sees Garda members Engage with, Encourage and Educate members of the public on public health advice and regulations, with Enforcement used only as a last resort.

Both the Policing Authority and the Gardaí provide regular reports and updates of An Garda Síochána's efforts during this difficult time and I am pleased to note that both the Authority and the Commissioner have noted high levels of compliance by the public and positive interaction between Gardaí and communities.

The Health (Amendment) Act 2020, which amended the Health Act 1947, was signed into law by the President on 25 October 2020. Regulations providing for a new system of fines under the Act were subsequently signed by the Minister for Health on 21 November 2020. An Garda Síochána will now roll out the introduction of enforcement on these measures. Now that the wording of the Regulations has been finalised, the necessary adjustments to the relevant systems are being made to allow the fixed penalty system accommodate these additional offences.

A number of incidents involving suspected breaches of regulations under existing legislation have been referred to the DPP for decisions on whether to charge. The number of cases where the DPP has directed a charge or summons are summarised on the Garda website, under Covid statistics, at the following URL:

https://www.garda.ie/en/about-us/our-departments/office-of-corporate-communications/news-media/coronavirus-covid-19-.html.

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