Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)
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738. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will indicate the measures in place to protect emergency service drivers in the course of their work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [27699/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, (as amended by section 185 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006) makes it an offence to assault, in the course of their duties, a "peace officer", persons providing medical services in a hospital or any persons assisting either. For the purposes of the Act, "peace officer" includes members of the Garda Síochána, Prison Officers, members of the Defence Forces, members of the Fire Brigade and ambulance personnel. A person convicted on indictment of such an assault can be sentenced to up to 7 years imprisonment. I believe that it is right that strong penalties should apply to persons who assault or threaten to assault emergency services personnel.