Gardaí will be able to require a protestor to remove a face covering if they suspect it is being worn to conceal their identity or intimidate others, under legislation being brought to a meeting of the Cabinet by Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan.
The minister is also seeking to criminalise those who seek sex in exchange for rent.
The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act is to be amended to permit gardaí to require a person to remove a face covering, where an officer reasonably suspects that it is being worn in order to facilitate the commission of, or hinder the investigation, of an offence.
The provision would also provide gardaí with an express power to remove or seize the face-covering, without a warrant, if any person refuses to abide by an instruction.
The stated aim of the law is to serve as a deterrent against disorderly conduct and intimidation in public places.
Minister O’Callaghan is also moving against what is often termed ‘sex for rent’ by introducing two new offences: offering accommodation in exchange of sex and the advertising of accommodation for the same motivation.
The proposed legislation will also modify the law governing the disclosure of counselling records in sexual offence trials.
The amendment would ensure that a disclosure hearing is held in all cases, so that victims no longer feel pressure to waive their right to one out of a fear this could hinder the investigation.
