Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy O'Sullivan for raising this matter today and previously, and for his support for what I think is a practical, common-sense measure that we can take in this House to show solidarity with the men and women of the Garda Síochána and to show solidarity with their families. Those families worry when they hear the door open at an early hour in the morning, and maybe remain concerned knowing their loved one is putting themselves in harm's way on occasion, until they hear that door close again later in the day or in the evening.

From the outset, I want to make it clear that I am extremely grateful to all front-line workers, all members of An Garda Síochána, all peace officers as we term them, and all those working in our emergency services, 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 and peace officers are able to go about their work safely and that the law reflects the importance of this.

For the most part, the relationship between gardaí and the public is built on one very significant issue, that is, trust. We only have to look to the fact An Garda Síochána is largely unarmed and yet hugely effective when it comes to community policing. Those who perpetrate violence against members of An Garda Síochána or any of our courageous emergency services must face the full rigour of the law. 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 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 to imprisonment for a term not exceeding seven years, or both, and that seven years was increased from five years in 2006.

However, the Government is committed to taking further action to protect gardaí and front-line workers. To that end, as the Deputy rightly said, I have secured Government agreement just this week 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. Also, as part of my Department's justice plan, the anti-social behaviour forum, chaired by 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 anti-social behaviour to determine whether any further legal powers would assist their role. I intend to make the legislative change in this regard before the summer recess and I intend to introduce it in the Seanad on Committee Stage.

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