Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)
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Question 147: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children her views on proposals in the UK to heavily fine those who attack health care workers; her further views on whether such a development would be useful here; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [23388/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The Deputy will be pleased to note that my colleague the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has brought forward a proposal, by way of a Committee Stage amendment to the Criminal Justice Bill 2004, to address the problem of assaults and obstruction of personnel engaged in providing emergency services, including problems relating to assaults in hospitals, particularly in Accident and Emergency departments. The Minister's proposal amends section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 which currently provides for offences relating to assault or obstruction of a peace officer, so as to broaden its scope of application and increase the relevant penalties.

The Minister's proposal expands the definition of 'peace officers' to include members of the fire brigade and ambulance personnel. The current definition of 'peace officers' covers members of the Garda Síochána, Defence Forces or prison officers acting in the execution of their duty. The range of proscribed conduct is also being broadened to cover threats to commit assault. In addition, it is proposed to provide for an offence in relation to threats, assaults, wilful obstruction and impeding of doctors, nurses and other health service workers in or at a hospital.

The Minister's proposal, as agreed recently by the Select Committee on Justice, Equality, Defence and Women's Rights, provides for a maximum penalty for assault or threats to commit assault of a fine or 7 years imprisonment or both. The maximum penalty in relation to wilful obstruction or impeding health service workers will be a fine or 6 months imprisonment or a fine not exceeding €2,500.