The Cabinet is expected to sign off on new laws that would permit a garda to ask someone wearing a face covering to take it off under specific conditions, reports Breaking News.
If the person refuses, they could face arrest and prosecution, as the refusal would be considered a criminal offence.
This would mark a minor revision to existing legislation, applying when gardaí believe the face covering is being used to hide a person’s identity during suspected criminal activity, reports Breaking News.
The new law would also give officers the authority to confiscate face coverings or masks.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan is bringing the proposal to Cabinet on Tuesday. Though originally aimed at dealing with far-right demonstrators, the scope has since broadened and would grant officers substantial discretion in using the power, reports Breaking News.
The Irish Council for Civil Liberties voiced strong opposition to the measure, saying it was “deeply concerned by the Government’s plan to criminalise the wearing of face coverings”. The group noted that people might wear them for reasons related to health, religion, or personal privacy.
The legislation could also be used to combat urban crime, particularly the kind frequently occurring in Dublin, reports Breaking News.
According to garda sources quoted by The Irish Times, many of these incidents—such as road traffic violations involving scooters or motorbikes, along with assaults and thefts—are carried out by young people wearing masks.
Should the Cabinet approve it, the legislation’s general framework will be published, followed by pre-legislative scrutiny. Lawmakers hope it could become law by October, reports Breaking News.
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