'Draconian' Covid-19 Garda powers will not extend beyond February, says Stephen Donnelly

The bill, which would extend powers until November 9, would contain a provision to allow just one three-month extension

The health minister made clear that a previous provision to allow the Covid-19 powers to be extended for an indefinite number of times has been set aside. Picture: Eamonn Farrell/RollingNews.ie

Emergency Covid-19 powers given to gardaí and other state authorities will not extend beyond February next year at the latest, Stephen Donnelly has told the Dáil.

The health minister, speaking in the Dáil today, made clear that a previous provision to allow the “draconian powers” to be extended for an indefinite number of times has been set aside.