Gardaí should only enforce face coverings 'as a last resort', justice minister says

A staff member with customers wearing facemasks on Patrick Street, Cork city. Picture: Jim Coughlan.

The gardaí should only be called to deal with people refusing to wear face coverings "as a last resort", the justice minister has said.

Wearing face coverings in certain indoor settings became legally enforceable at midnight on Sunday which, officials say, should result in an increase in their use.