Gardai commissioner Drew Harris has that Gardaí have the power to arrest people who refuse to isolate themselves and to seal off areas to protect the public from coronavirus.
However, Commissioner Harris said he did not foresee such a situation in the near future but emphasised that if the situation does arise that Gardai have enforcement powers, should they need them.
He said these powers were supported by current legislation, but insisted that it would be a very extreme scenario for this to happen.
This story is developing.
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