During the pandemic perhaps the most draconian measure the Government introduced was mandatory hotel quarantine. Civil liberty advocates didn't like it.
The unfortunate people who had to stay there hated it. And the Coalition was reluctant to start it. It was phased out two months ago amid a collective sigh of relief in Government Buildings.
But now everything has changed. Next Tuesday the Cabinet is expected to sign off on a decision to reintroduce mandatory hotel quarantine following advice from Chief Medical Officer Tony Holohan.
Legislation is expected to be brought before the Dáil possibly on Tuesday. The original laws allowing the State to force people to quarantine in hotels with tough sanctions for those who absconded have lapsed.