The Health Minister Simon Harris has tonight signed new regulations giving effect to emergency powers for gardaí during the COVID-19 crisis.
They will give officers the right to force people to return home if found not to be complying with health advice.
Up until now they could only advise the public what to do.
While the emergency powers were included in emergency legislation passed by the Oireachtas last month, they had not yet been formally commenced.
The decision comes following a meeting between the Taoiseach, Health Minister, Justice Minister, Garda Commissioner, Chief Medical Officer and Attorney General at Government Buildings this evening.
Garda Commissioner Drew Harris says the new powers will be used sparingly and only if needed.
Minister Harris, meanwhile, said that while people have been "super" in terms of complying with guidelines, but gardaí need the additional powers in case people aren't following the public health advice.
He told RTÉ this evening: "It is important the gardaí have these powers in their back pocket, so that if they do need enforcement powers they have them.
"They'll continue their normal strategy of working with the people and assisting the communities... but it is important they have them there as a reserve should they be needed."
The move comes amid concerns that some people may ignore the guidelines by travelling over the Easter weekend.
Chief Medical Officer Dr Tony Holohan this evening urged people to "stay the course" for now and stay at home wherever possible.
