People who organise or host house parties, or other gatherings that break new Covid-19 Level 5 restrictions, could face a fine of up to €1,000, or imprisonment for a month, under proposed legislation.
Higher penalties can be imposed for repeat offences. The new measures were signed-off by Cabinet last night in order to empower gardaí to enforce the new public health restrictions, which come into force at midnight.
Other infractions, such as not wearing a mask on public transport or in shops, could lead to on-the-spot fines to a maximum of €500.
In a statement, the Government said: "It is planned to enact the legislation as soon as possible." It added that such enforcement measures will only be used by gardaí as a "last resort".