McEntee gets green light for crackdown on face coverings

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has received Government approval to provide powers to Gardai to direct the removal of face coverings during protests. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA

Justice Minister Helen McEntee has received Government approval to provide powers for gardaí to direct the removal of face coverings during protests.

The proposal comes in response to a rise in violent protests over the past year where some attendees covered their faces with balaclavas and masks.