Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is my intention to use one of the legislative vehicles already going through the House, probably the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022, to bring forward the amendment to increase the maximum sentence from seven years to 12. It is my intention to bring that amendment to the Government shortly and with the co-operation of this House and the other House to seek the approval of the Oireachtas for that to be passed this side of the summer recess. I do not suggest, and nor would the Deputy, that this is the answer to all the challenges faced by gardaí or others as they go about their business, but it is an opportunity for us in this House to send out a very important message. One of the signs of encouragement people can take is the utter revulsion the overwhelming majority of people convey when there is an attack on a member of An Garda Síochána. I accept that this is something we are all united in, thankfully, and we should always value that. In addition, the Minister of State, Deputy Browne, through chairing the expert antisocial behaviour forum and under action 7.2 of Justice Plan 2023, will conduct a review of all the powers available to the Garda in respect of public order and antisocial behaviour, including the effectiveness of antisocial behaviour orders. Once the terms of reference are agreed, the Minister of State will bring a memorandum to Government in that regard.

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