Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Renua Ireland)
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455. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if she will address a matter (details supplied) regarding the emergency services; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [46700/15]

Frances Fitzgerald (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)
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There is specific legislation in place to deal with assaults to emergency workers in front line positions. I would refer the Deputy to section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994, as amended by section 185 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006.

Section 19 provides that any person who assaults or threatens to assault a "peace officer" acting in the execution of their duty is guilty of an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine of up to €5,000 or a term of imprisonment of up to 12 months or both, or on conviction on indictment to a fine or imprisonment for a term of up to 7 years or both. The maximum sentence was increased from 5 years to 7 years under the 2006 Act.

A "peace officer" refers to a member of the Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel or a member of the Defence Forces.

In addition, in the case of assault causing serious harm, an offender can be prosecuted under the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act 1997 and could be subject to a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

The law already recognises the gravity of any attack on members of the emergency services carrying out their duties and that the penalties in place reflect the seriousness with which such acts are viewed. However I am committed to keeping the matter under review.