88 incidents of spitting and/or coughing confirmed against Gardaí

Gardaí have invoked enforcement powers under the Covid-19 Public Health regulations 289 times since 8 April 2020.

An Garda Síochána has confirmed that it used its Covid-19 enforcement powers 13 times in the last seven days. A total of 88 incidents of spitting and/or coughing against Gardaí since the beginning of April has also been confirmed. Commissioner Drew Harris said: "The number of spitting and coughing attacks on Gardaí, while simply carrying out their lawful duties, is reducing but remains unacceptable in any circumstance." Pre-existing enforcement powers were used in 1,878 incidents in the same time frame. These range from incidents such as drink driving or disqualified drivers detected at checkpoints, to drugs and weapons seizures, to public order offences.

Gardaí have said that the number of incidents involving other suspected crimes continues to far exceed the number of cases involving only breaches of Government restrictions.

Harris continued: "An Garda Síochána continues to see significant public support for the Public Health Guidelines. "Many individual, families and small groups took advantage of the good weather over the weekend to enjoy the bank holiday weekend and avail of physical exercise. Most did so with the best efforts to comply with Public Health guidelines. "Unfortunately An Garda Síochána did have to intervene in a number of locations to engage, educate, encourage and ultimately enforce the Regulations. An Garda Síochána will continue our community engagement with citizens at key locations such as parks, beaches and natural beauty spots over the coming days."