Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
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Question 284: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if his attention has been drawn to the verdict delivered on 4 February 2011 in the case concerning the death of Garda Robbie McCallion, RIP; his views on same; and, in view of that verdict, if he will consider changing the laws to give stronger protections to members of An Garda Síochána while on duty. [7348/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The position is that the courts are, subject only to the Constitution and the law, independent in the exercise of their judicial functions. It would not be appropriate for me to comment on the verdict in specific cases.

A specific offence of assault of a peace officer (including a member of an Garda Síochána) acting in the course of his or her duty is provided for in section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994. I have no proposals at present for further legislation in relation to this matter but the situation will be kept under review.