The Government is planning a crackdown on face masks after they were worn by people during the Dublin riots to hide their identity. 

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan is understood to be pressing ahead with legislation that would be similar in scope to Britain’s Crime and Policing Bill - which will ban face coverings if they are used to help a person commit a crime. 

On Newstalk Breakfast, former Garda Sergeant  Christy Galligan said the use of face coverings during the Dublin riots made the job of Gardaí significantly harder. 

“There were a number of people who were part of that riotous mob who covered their faces,” he said. 

“The Gardaí couldn’t identify them; given the technology we have, it’s very hard to identify someone who is wearing a facemask or has wrapped a hoodie [around their face] so you can see their eyes. 

“It is important to point out that people have the right to protest but also that it’s the right of every person to go about their business on a daily basis and to live free from the threats of intimidation.” 

A car burns on Parnell Street. Picture by: Sasko Lazarov / © RollingNews.ie

Despite this, Mr Galligan said if the legislation is passed, Gardaí will have to be “very careful” as many people use medical face masks for valid reasons. 

“If you have a major protest and you have a number of people wearing face masks, you have to understand, are they there to intimidate or are they there because there’s a medical situation that they have?” he said. 

“So, we have to be very careful and it takes a hell of a lot of manpower too. 

“You have to be a very brave Guard to go into the middle of a large protest and ask somebody to remove their face coverings.” 

Face masks on public transport and in shops were made optional in February 2022. 

The HSE advises you might be asked to wear one in a medical setting.

Main image: Rioting and looting in Dublin. Picture by: Sam Boal/Rollingnews.ie