Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have legislation going through the House called the Criminal Justice (Public Order) (Amendment) Bill. The Bill's purpose is to introduce a stronger, mandatory, sentence for anyone convicted of assaulting an emergency worker in the course of his or her duty.It successfully passed through Second Stage here some time ago and has now proceeded to Committee Stage. We have taken the lead from other jurisdictions, namely parts of Australia, New Zealand, parts of France, England and Scotland, which have already moved to introduce mandatory prison sentencing for anyone who assaults an emergency worker. Unfortunately, assaults on emergency workers are on the increase. We noted the horrific assault over the weekend of two members of the Garda, a man and woman going about their duty to protect the community they serve. Unfortunately, other professionals, be they nurses, paramedics, doctors or others in the medical setting, have been also subjected to an increasing number of assaults. It is time we called a halt and protected those who go out daily and put their lives on the line to protect us.

I am disappointed by the lack of progress on the legislation. Again, I call on the Minister for Justice, Deputy McEntee, to embrace it. I am not saying it is perfectly scripted but its aim is to send a clear message to anyone who would assault an emergency worker in the course of duty that we will not stand for it. I hope the Minister will make progress in the legislation as a matter of urgency.