Minister Signs New Regulations Introducing ‘Social Distancing' Enforcement Powers

In a previous Insight¹, we set out the key provisions of the new legislation (the "Health Act 2020") introduced in response to the COVID-19 health crisis in Ireland by the Minister for Health (the "Minister"). As we noted, the powers introduced by the Health Act 2020 required the signing of regulations by the Minister to give effect to those powers and to detail any further specifics necessary for the operation of those powers.

Last night (7 April 2020), and in advance of the Easter bank holiday weekend, the Minister signed such regulations (the "Regulations"). Whilst the Regulations themselves do not introduce any new restrictions or significantly vary any orders or guidance given by the government and the National Public Health Emergency Team in advance of that date, they allow for the effective enforcement of these restrictions and/or orders under the Minister's legislative power to do so under the Health Act 2020. Below are the key points for individuals