20 March 2020 – Gave public health officials powers to detain and isolate people

Level of Jurisdiction: National

Overview: The Irish Government gave public health officials powers to detain and isolate people to slow the spread of COVID-19.

A medical officer of health may detain and isolate a person who is a potential source of infection and risk to public health provided the person”s detention and isolation is appropriate to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and minimise the risk to human life and public health.

The power is only available if the person cannot be effectively isolated at their home or other accomodation provided by the government.

The person can be detained in a hospital or other place specified by the medical officer of health.
Full details here: http://www.irishstatutebook.ie/eli/2020/act/1/enacted/en/html