'Serious concerns' new garda powers bill is unconstitutional

The bill proposes to grant gardaí the power to stop and search for possession of proscribed articles, the power for Gardaí to sign off on search warrants and allowing Gardaí to exclude "disruptive" legal counsel

Bob Collins, Chair of the Policing Authority said his organisation had "five areas of concern".

Government TDs and Senators have spoken of "serious concerns" that a new bill to grant extra powers to Gardaí is unconstitutional.

The Oireachtas Justice Committee discussed the Garda Síochána (Powers) Bill 2021 which proposes to grant An Garda Síochána additional powers to stop and search, to sign off on search warrants and to exclude "disruptive" legal counsel.