Proposed new powers for the gardaí to enforce Covid-19 regulations may not come into force for up to three weeks. Garda sources said some powers being mentioned by Government ministers might require primary legislation and this meant the changes would not be introduced in a matter of days. Read MoreSenior garda officers last night said there was no onus on the Government to consult them in advance of policy changes, although this might occur in some circumstances. But they advised that all levels of the force should wait to see what precisely was being proposed rather than speculating. The Garda Representative Association said a clear policy for policing the border with Northern Ireland was needed.

Source: Irish Independent January 28, 2021 02:33 UTC