Justice Minister Helen McEntee to seek Cabinet approval on banning masks at protests

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is set to seek Cabinet approval this week for legislation to ban the wearing of masks at protests where there is an intention to intimidate others.

Having consulted the Garda Commissioner and Attorney General, Minister McEntee will seek the support of the Cabinet on Wednesday 18 September to draft legislation. 

The move comes following the introduction of a variety of initiatives to expand the powers of An Garda Síochána in relation to maintaining public order. Minister McEntee said that An Garda Síochána need to have all the powers required to protect public order while, at the same time, supporting the right to peaceful protest.

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Minister McEntee said that previous initiatives - such as body cameras, stronger incapacitant spray, and more body armour - have been done to help gardaí in their work.

In addition to these changes, laws have been introduced which sees the sentencing of assaults targeting membersHusti of An Garda Síochána increase from 12 years to life, as well as increasing the penalty of conspiracy to murder to life and doubling the maximum sentence for assault causing harm.