More Protection For Firefighters And EMTs

New Law Strengthens Penalties For Assaults On Emergency Workers

The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr Michael McDowell, T.D., welcomed provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which came into force on August 1st, and claimed that they have greatly strengthened the legal protection for emergency workers who are assaulted, threatened or obstructed. 

Minister McDowell said, "The special demands of acting in an emergency situation necessitate explicit protection in law for this essential group of workers and those assisting them and it is only right that such people who serve the State so courageously are afforded protection by the State. 

"There is now in law a robust and comprehensive range of measures available to An Garda Siochana and the judiciary for the prosecution and sentencing of persons who assault, threaten or obstruct emergency workers."

The old law had dealt with specific offences relating to assaulting or obstructing a 'peace officer', but only protected members of the Garda Siochana, Defence Forces or prison officers acting in the execution of their duty.

The new section of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 expands the definition of 'peace officers' to include members of the fire brigade and ambulance personnel. 

In addition, the Act creates specific offences of threatening, assaulting, resisting, wilfully obstructing or impeding doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives, pharmacists, other health service workers and any persons assisting them in or at a hospital. 

The penalties have also been increased. The maximum penalty for assault or threats to commit assault is a fine and up to seven years in prison.

The maximum penalty for wilful obstruction or impeding health service workers is a fine of 2,500 Euro and up to 6 months in jail.

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