A new system of on-the-spot fines for people breaking COVID-19 rules will be rolled out in the coming days.

The Cabinet has agreed a graduated system of penalties for people not wearing a face mask in shops and public transport, and those breaching the five kilometre travel limit.

Gardaí will also be given the power to fine the owner of a house who refuses to break up a party, and fine each person attending such a gathering individually.

The crackdown will also mean officers can fine someone they suspect of being on their way to a house party who refuses to leave the area.

It could come before the Dáil as early as next week.

The Taoiseach last night confirmed that the whole country would move to level five restrictions for the next six weeks.

In an address to the nation, Micheál Martin said it will still be possible to “celebrate Christmas in a meaningful way” if the country pulls together and follows the spirit of the rules in the coming weeks.

The move come just two weeks after the Government rejected the National Public Health Emergency Team’s call to move to the highest restrictions.

Last night, Mr Martin defended that decision.

“I would have thought moving to Level three was absolutely worth giving it a shot,” he said.

“No, I make no apologies about that, no. Level Three is very severe. If I am honest, I felt that, at some stage, we would have to be looking at higher restrictions in wintertime.

“I was hoping we would get October but the virus doesn’t respect your own thoughts or your own objectives or indeed the best laid plans. It doesn’t.”

The six-week lockdown is due to end on December 1st but will be reviewed in four weeks’ time.

Under level five, people will be asked to stay and work at home wherever possible, and to exercise within 5km of their home.

Restaurants and pubs will only be permitted to offer takeaway service and all non-essential shops will close.

No social or family gathering in homes or gardens will be allowed; however, people who live or parent alone will be allowed contact with one other household under a new ‘support bubble’ system.

Around 150,000 people are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the new restrictions.

As a result, the Pandemic Unemployment Payment will be increased back up to €350 for workers who were earning more than €400 before the outbreak.

The wage subsidy scheme will also be improved, while new mental health supports will be provided.

With reporting from Seán Defoe