Frances Black (Independent) | Oireachtas source

The Government amendment proposes increasing the maximum penalty for assaults on peace officers, that is, members of An Garda Síochána, prison officers and members of the Defence Forces. As with the extension of the penalties available in respect of conspiracy to murder, we are concerned about the effectiveness of increased maximum penalties for assaults against police officers. The Government's high-level task force to consider the mental health and addiction challenges of those who come into contact with the criminal justice sector offers a blueprint for progress regarding support for those with mental health and addiction issues and their diversion away from the criminal justice system. The State should ensure that its recommendations are fully implemented as a matter of priority. I am not sure the amendment being tabled by the Government today is fully reflective of these recommendations. It is our view that improved access to mental health care and a health-led approach to addiction and problem drug use would be more likely to have the desired impact in terms of a reduction in the number of assaults on our peace officers, as would the improvement of their working conditions, which is absolutely vital. I hope the Minister will be in a position to outline any work being undertaken by the Government in these areas.