The Government has confirmed that new powers for gardaí, contained in Emergency Covid-19 legislation passed by the Dáil last week, have yet to be transferred to the force.
A spokesperson said tonight that the "associated regulations are being finalised". The powers, which were announced two weeks ago, relate to enforcing limits on public gatherings.
The spokesperson said: "The gardaí already have extensive powers of enforcement and the focus of their activity is on encouraging people to adhere to the public health measures in place to help stop the spread of Covid-19." They added: "As the Garda Commissioner has said, their approach is to 'inform, engage and encourage'.