Doireann Ansbro: We need a model of policing by consent

Emergency legislation must be temporary, it should not be renewed without rigorous debate and scrutiny to ensure our rights are respected and the most basic tenets of our democracy are protected, writes Doireann Ansbro

The Government intends to seek an extension of legislation giving gardaí additional powers of inspection and enforcement, and allowing for mandatory hotel quarantine. Photo: Dan Linehan

On Tuesday evening, the Cabinet announced its decision to seek an extension of the emergency Covid powers to at least November 9. 

This is the bedrock legislation which has allowed Government to introduce laws requiring, under criminal sanction, that people stay at home except for essential purposes, and to effectively ban all gatherings and events, including protests and religious services. The Government also intends to seek an extension of legislation giving gardaí additional powers of inspection and enforcement, and allowing for mandatory hotel quarantine.