The mandatory hotel quarantine system will also be extended.
Emergency pandemic legislation including additional Gardaí powers and the extension of the mandatory hotel quarantine system have been extended until 9 Nov under a request made by Health Minister Stephen Donnelly.
A Government spokesman told RTÉ News that Minister Donnelly felt it was in the public interest to keep the measures in place. The legislation was due to run out on 9 June.
According to the publication, the Cabinet decision will go back to the Oireachtas “as soon as possible” for confirmation.
The Health and Criminal Justice Bill of 2021 was brought to Cabinet on Tuesday as Minister Donnelly got approval from Ministers to extend the laws.
The extension of the powers will also apply to fines for not wearing facemasks and large gatherings.
The extension of the powers doesn’t mean that the measures will remain in place until November but gives the Government the ability to continue them until a time when they are no longer deemed neccessary.
The extension will have to be approved by both the Dáil and Seanad.
New powers were introduced last year in support of the public health restrictions on movement and gatherings.
The powers were introduced under section 31A of the Health Act of 1947, as inserted by the Health Preservation and Protection and other Emergency Measures in the Public Interest Act of 2020.
The purpose of these powers was said to be the protection of public health during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin said earlier this month that there will be “full scrutiny” and a “full Dáil debate” ahead of any Government proposal to extend emergency powers over the coming weeks.
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