Gardaí told new fines on mask-wearing a 'last resort'

Gardaí have new powers to issue fines to members of the public for failing to wear a mask. Picture: Collins Photos

Frontline gardaí have been told the power to issue a fine to a person for failing to wear a mask should be a “last resort”.

The new power came into effect on Monday and makes the existing offence of not wearing a face covering on public transport or in certain premises a Fixed Payment Notice offence.