People who throw house parties can be fined €1,000 and jailed for up to a month under new proposals

People who throw house parties can be fined €1,000 and jailed for up to a month under new proposals being considered by the Cabinet tonight at its second meeting of the day. 

 

On-the-spot fines for breaching Government's Covid-19 restrictions will be up to €500 according to planned legislation. 

 

Ministers are holding an incorporeal meeting to discuss new enforcement legislation which will apply for the six-week Level 5 lockdown. 

 

One source said that gardaí will be empowered to attend a house where there is a house party and ask the owner to stop the event. If they do not do so, they can be fined €1,000 on their first offence or jailed for a month. 

 

This will rise to €1,500 on the second offence or a jail sentence of three months. On the third offence, this rises to €2,500 or six months in prison. 

 

Fines of €60 are being considered for people who breach the 5km restrictions due to come into force on Thursday. 

 

A similar amount is also being considered for those who refuse to wear face masks in public areas such as shops and public transport. 

During the first lockdown back in March people could be prosecuted in the District Court and punished with up to six months in prison and a €2,500 fine for breaching the movement restrictions which ranged between 2km and 20km at various stages. 

 

Under the new system, those breaking the limit may be issued with a fixed charge penalty notice, similar to a speeding ticket. Anyone found undertaking a non-essential journey over 5km from their home could face the penalty. 

 

Failure to pay the charge would result in escalating fines and eventually a court appearance and possible criminal conviction. 

 

People who do not wear a mask while on public transport or in retail settings will also face fines under the new legislation.