Cabinet extends Garda powers granted during pandemic

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly got Government approval to seek the extension of public health measures deemed necessary last year to combat the pandemic. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

Covid-19 pandemic powers granted to An Garda Síochána and other State agencies have been controversially extended by the Cabinet until November 9 at least, it has emerged.

At a weekly meeting of ministers, Cabinet members agreed to extend four pieces of legislation that give extensive and extraordinary powers to the State “on the nod”.