Gardaí will soon be granted expanded powers to compel individuals to remove face coverings during protests if they are believed to be concealing their identity or intimidating others, under new legislation being brought before Cabinet by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.
The proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act would allow officers to order the removal of masks or other face coverings where they have reasonable suspicion that they are being used to facilitate a crime or obstruct an investigation.
The legislation also gives Gardaí the authority to seize or remove such coverings without the need for a warrant, should individuals refuse to comply. The Department of Justice says the aim is to deter public disorder and ensure accountability during public demonstrations.
The proposal follows a number of high-profile protests in recent months where individuals concealed their identities while engaging in disruptive behaviour.
Legislation to Tackle ‘Sex for Rent’
Separately, Minister O’Callaghan is seeking to criminalise the practice of offering accommodation in exchange for sexual services — commonly referred to as “sex for rent.”
The upcoming bill will create two new offences: the act of proposing accommodation in return for sex, and the advertisement of such arrangements. Both are aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation in precarious housing situations.
Changes to Victims’ Rights in Sexual Offence Trials
The legislation package will also address the treatment of victims in sexual offence cases. An amendment will ensure that a disclosure hearing is held in every case involving counselling records, removing the pressure victims may feel to waive their right to one in order to progress investigations.
Minister O'Callaghan says the reforms aim to balance stronger protections for public order with greater sensitivity to victims’ rights.
If approved by Cabinet, the proposed bill will move to the Dáil in the coming months.
The proposed amendment to the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act would allow officers to order the removal of masks or other face coverings where they have reasonable suspicion that they are being used to facilitate a crime or obstruct an investigation.
The legislation also gives Gardaí the authority to seize or remove such coverings without the need for a warrant, should individuals refuse to comply. The Department of Justice says the aim is to deter public disorder and ensure accountability during public demonstrations.
The proposal follows a number of high-profile protests in recent months where individuals concealed their identities while engaging in disruptive behaviour.
Legislation to Tackle ‘Sex for Rent’
Separately, Minister O’Callaghan is seeking to criminalise the practice of offering accommodation in exchange for sexual services — commonly referred to as “sex for rent.”
The upcoming bill will create two new offences: the act of proposing accommodation in return for sex, and the advertisement of such arrangements. Both are aimed at protecting vulnerable individuals from exploitation in precarious housing situations.
Changes to Victims’ Rights in Sexual Offence Trials
The legislation package will also address the treatment of victims in sexual offence cases. An amendment will ensure that a disclosure hearing is held in every case involving counselling records, removing the pressure victims may feel to waive their right to one in order to progress investigations.
Minister O'Callaghan says the reforms aim to balance stronger protections for public order with greater sensitivity to victims’ rights.
If approved by Cabinet, the proposed bill will move to the Dáil in the coming months.
