Justice minister Jim O’Callaghan has warned that fuel protesters’ driving licences and insurance could be affected if they take part in illegal activities. Gardaí are now working with the Defence Forces in a bid to move protesters. Mr O’Callaghan confirmed he was due to meet defence minister Helen McEntee and Defence Forces chief of staff Rossa Mulcahy on Thursday evening, but urged people to stand down the protests. He said that “people need to cop on to the damage that their actions are having on Irish people and Irish society”. He denied that drafting in the Defence Forces was escalating the matter, saying it was “carefully” considered by Government.

Source: Irish Examiner April 09, 2026 19:38 UTC