James Geoghegan (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
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148. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he has plans to introduce a specific offence for assaulting a retail worker; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12882/25]

Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to examine the introduction of a specific offence of assaulting a retail worker. The development of legislation is a complex task which requires consideration of all the potential implications of any change to the law. Work to progress the commitments within the Programme has commenced and I look forward to delivering on the Justice agenda contained within the Programme. In December 2023, Garda Operation Táirge commenced. It aims to prevent and detect Organised Retail Crime as part of An Garda Síochána’s Crime Prevention and Reduction Strategy. It is led by the Organised Retail Crime Tasking and Co-ordination Group within An Garda Síochána and supports each Garda region to monitor and respond to emerging trends in their area.

Operation Táirge is supported by a wide range of stakeholder engagement with retailers. The Garda National Crime Prevention (GNCPU) engages with retail stakeholders frequently to assist with various queries and provide assistance. The GNCPU hosts a bi-annual Retail Forum. This Government takes any risk to retailers and their staff very seriously. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment holds a Retail Forum on a quarterly basis with retailers and representative bodies, hosted by the Minister of State with responsibility for Small Businesses and Retail. This provides an opportunity to discuss key issues of importance with key stakeholders in the sector. An Garda Síochána is typically asked to provide an update on retail crime matters at each meeting.