Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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45. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will consider legislating or taking any other measures that would result in tougher punishment for people who attack gardaí in the course of their duties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25312/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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From the outset I want to make it clear that I am are extremely grateful to all frontline workers for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the important role that they play in our society.

It is imperative that frontline workers are able to go about their work safely, and that the law reflects the importance of this.

For the most part, the relationship between Gardaí and the public is one built on very significant trust. We only have to look to the fact that An Garda Síochána is a largely unarmed, and yet hugely effective, community policing service.

Those who perpetrate violence against members of An Garda Síochána, or of any of our courageous emergency services, must face the full rigours of the law.

An assault on a member of An Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel, or a member of the Defence Forces is an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.

A person convicted of such an offence is currently liable to a fine, or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years, or both. The latter penalty was increased from a maximum term of 5 years in 2006.

However, the Government is committed to taking further action to protect Gardaí and frontline workers. To that end, I have secured Government agreement to bring forward an amendment to the Public Order Act to increase the maximum penalty available for assaulting a peace officer to 12 years.

These changes will send a very clear message that attacks on frontline workers will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with robustly.

Also as part of my Department's Justice Plan 2023, the Anti-Social Behaviour Forum will review the already very strong powers available to An Garda Síochána in relation to public order and anti-social behaviour to determine whether any further legal powers would assist their role.

Above all, I can assure the Deputy that frontline workers will always have my support to do their jobs.