Image via Pexels.comDon't forget your mask.
New on the spot fines will be handed out to people not wearing face coverings and who are in breach of public health rules.
Minister Donnelly said the current legislation would be amended shortly to allow for fines of €20 to €100 euro for those who flout the rules.
"We will be looking at bringing in a new schedule of fines," he told Highland Radio this morning.
"I will be introducing legislation shortly which will add a table of penalties to the 1947 Health Act which essentially will allow for more appropriate measures, for example a €20 euro, a €50 euro or €100 euro fine for certain things.
"We would be looking, for example at non-compliance with facemasks or face coverings, having fines, it's what other countries do."
However he added the sanctions won't extend to house parties with more than six guests.
''We decided not to apply a penalty to that really to respect the sanctity of the person's home'', he said.
''And the legality is the act which we use which is the 1947 health act only has a binary choice, on penal provisions which is up to €2,500 fine or up to 6 months in prison.
''I don't believe that is remotely proportionate''.
