Proposals to introduce fines for people drinking alcohol in groups outside have been dropped by the government.
They had considered bringing in the punishment following scenes of gatherings in Cork and Dublin over the weekend.
Video footage was posted on social media that showed large numbers of people having take-away pints on the streets.
However, they’ve rowed back on the idea of fines following opposition from Ministers at this morning’s Cabinet meeting.
Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald said earlier that she believed it would be a knee jerk reaction to the weekend scenes.
As a result, the Taoiseach alongside the Health and Justice Ministers will instead meet with the Garda Commissioner to discuss further cooperation in policing covid-19 regulations.
Minister for Media, Tourism, Arts, Culture, Sport and the Gaeltacht. Catherine Martin says the Government want to encourage compliance:
"There was agreement that there should be further engagement with Gardai on enforcement before you would consider any new legislation".
The Green Party TD added "Speaking from my own party, we have always been of the view that we want to bring people and community with us as opposed to forcing change or cooperation through laws."
