McEntee calls for laws banning face masks at protests

She said a “small number of people” were engaging in violent disorder at protests while wearing face coverings, leading her to consider new legislation.

“This should not be allowed. It makes the police’s job more difficult,” McEntee said.

What I do here is to assist the Gardaí, by ensuring that those responsible for these types of crimes, which cause intimidation and instil fear, are brought to justice.

Ms McEntee described her proposal as “another piece of armoury” for gardaí in response to violent protests.

“No one should have the right to instill fear or intimidate another person. As Minister of Justice, I simply say that we must not tolerate this and I will do everything I can to prevent it from happening.”

It was previously reported that under the proposed laws, masks worn for medical reasons or other reasons such as cold weather would be allowed.

People wearing masks, such as balaclavas, have been seen at anti-migrant and far-right protests over the past year.

Ms Entee said she was currently working with the attorney general and the Garda commissioner to ensure the proposed laws could be “implemented in the most effective way possible”.

However, Ms McEntee said she did not have a specific timeline for when these laws would be implemented, saying the drafting of the legislation would have to take place first.

She made the comments after being asked whether or not the laws would be in place before the next general election.

“Until the election is actually called there will always be speculation about when it will take place. The only person who can decide that is the Taoiseach and we will obviously work very closely with our coalition partners in that regard,” she said.