Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate Deputy Daly on his appointment as his party's spokesperson on justice. While we may not always agree and while we may have disagreements from time to time, I wish him all the best as he takes up that role.

I am extremely grateful to all front-line workers for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the important role they play in our society.

It is imperative that front-line workers are able to go about their work safely and that the law reflects the importance of this. For the most part, the relationship between the Garda and the public is one built on significant trust. We only have to look at the fact that An Garda Síochána is a largely unarmed and yet hugely effective community policing service. Those who perpetrate violence against members of An Garda Síochána, or, as Deputy Daly suggests, any of our courageous emergency services, must face the full rigours of the law.

It is worth stating on the record that 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 is already an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. A person convicted of such an offence is currently liable to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, or both. The latter penalty of seven years was increased from a maximum term of five years in 2006. However, the Government and I are committed to taking further action to protect gardaí and front-line workers as necessary. To that end, I intend to bring forward an amendment to the Public Order Act to increase the maximum penalty available for assaulting a peace officer to 12 years. These changes will send a very clear message that attacks on front-line workers will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly. I have arrived at the point of view of the importance of doing this after listening to the representative bodies of An Garda Síochána.

As part of my Department's Justice Plan 2023, the antisocial behaviour forum, chaired by my colleague, the Minister of State, Deputy James Browne, will review the already very strong powers available to An Garda Síochána in relation to public order and antisocial behaviour to determine whether any further legal powers would assist them in their role. Above all, I can assure the Deputy that front-line workers will always have my support to do their jobs. I hope we can make these legislative changes together in these Houses between now and the summer recess.

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