Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Senator for his amendment. He was correct in stating there is already a provision under existing legislation with regard to this issue. The Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 outlines the penalties for the offence of assaulting a member of the Garda Síochána, which carries a higher penalty on indictment than that outlined in this Bill. I agree with the Senator that there is no need for the anomaly that results from this and I accept the amendment.