Neale Richmond
Question:119. Deputy Neale Richmond asked the Minister for Justice the steps she is taking to address assaults on frontline workers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16245/22]
View answerTuesday, 29 March 2022
Questions (119)
Written answers
I am sure the Deputy will join me in condemning any attacks made on the men and women serving in An Garda Síochána, the Health Services and other frontline workers. The Deputy will agree that we are all immensely grateful to all our frontline workers for their outstanding dedication to serving the public, and for the important role that they play in our society, notably their sustained commitment throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
It is imperative that frontline workers are protected in carrying out their work and that the law reflects and responds to the situations in which they find themselves.
As the Deputy is aware, it would not be appropriate for me to detail the operational measures that the Garda authorities have taken or would take in these situations. However, I can assure the Deputy that whatever protective and detection measures are deemed appropriate by the Garda authorities will certainly be taken.
I should also say that while the criminal law in this area is being kept under ongoing review, there are a range of robust legislative provisions available to the Garda authorities in circumstances where threats or assaults are made against Gardaí.
Any assault causing harm on any person is an offence under section 3 of the Non–Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997. A person convicted of such an offence would be liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or to a maximum fine of €2,500 or both, or on conviction on indictment, to a fine, or to imprisonment, for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.
Furthermore, an assault on a member of An Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel, or a member of the Defence Forces would constitute an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. A person convicted of such an offence would be liable on summary conviction to a maximum fine of €5,000, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both. A person convicted of such an offence on indictment would be liable to a fine, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years, or both.
The investigation of any such offences under these Acts are, of course, a policing matter for An Garda Síochána. I would encourage anyone with information relating to the alleged or possible commitment of these offences to report this information to their local/nearest Garda station.