Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

This amendment increases the maximum penalty for assault on gardaí and other peace officers from seven years to 12 years. We are all conscious of the dedication and commitment of our front-line workers and the risks they take in the course of their duties. Any police force, but an unarmed force in particular, depends on absolute respect for the safety of its officers.

We cannot accept any violence at any level. While such incidents are rare, there has, sadly, been an increase in them, and we as legislators must send a clear message that any such attacks are deplorable and will be dealt with robustly. I am under no illusions that legislation alone can be a solution to this problem, but a strong deterrent should be in place to reinforce the safety of those who put themselves in harm's way to protect the public, and to demonstrate our solidarity with them.

The penalty for section 3 assault causing harm is being increased from five years to ten years under this Bill. The increase to 12 years in the penalty of assault on a peace office under section 19 will maintain the existing relationship between the section 19 penalty and the section 3 penalty, reflecting the particular importance of protecting police and other front-line workers from aggression and violence in their roles.

I am conscious good arguments may be made that other categories of peace officers should be covered by this provision. However, I emphasise that the section 19 offence complements the already comprehensive provisions in place in respect of assault and that the increased ten-year maximum penalty for assault causing harm will in itself constitute an important protection and deterrent against violence for all members of our society. Members of the Garda Síochána, in particular, face unique challenges, and this section reflects that. I acknowledge the work of Senator Gallagher, the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, and the former Minister for Justice, Deputy Harris, in bringing forward this amendment.

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