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Jail terms for people who assault Gardaí set to increase to 12 years

The measure would also apply to other emergency service staff - including hospital staff and prison workers
Sean Defoe
Sean Defoe

00.01 23 May 2023


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Jail terms for people who assa...

Jail terms for people who assault Gardaí set to increase to 12 years

Sean Defoe
Sean Defoe

00.01 23 May 2023


Share this article


Longer jail terms are to be brought in for people who assault members of An Garda Síochána.

The proposed changes will also apply to the ramming of Garda vehicles.

The proposals, being brought to Cabinet by Justice Minister Simon Harris, would increase the maximum jail term for assaulting or obstructing a Garda from seven to 12 years.

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The measure would also apply to other emergency service staff - including hospital staff, prison workers, members of the Defence Forces, fire brigade or ambulance staff.

The extension of the penalty for assault causing harm will be part of the Criminal Justice Bill, which is currently making its way through the Oireachtas.

File photo of Simon Harris. Photograph: Julien Behal Photography / RollingNews.ie

Minister Harris said while current legislation, is robust the laws need to be updated.

"We should remember we still live in a country where there is huge support for the Gardaí," he said.

"We live in a country where confidence levels in our police force are above that of most other European countries.

"We also need to live in a country where we don't, as politicians, wring our hands and condemn - though condemning is important.

"We actually need to update the laws to support the Gardaí," he added.

Minister Harris will also bring a measure to Cabinet to again extend the licence for alcohol to be sold outdoors.

The measure was brought in during the COVID-19 pandemic, and will be extended until November until longer-term legislation is looked at.

Enterprise Minister Simon Coveney will also ask the Cabinet to approve extending business fuel supports to companies which use Kerosene - while also bringing a memo to provide more secure contract terms for seasonal workers in Ireland.

Main image: A member of An Garda Síochána. Picture by: Leah Farrell/ RollingNews.ie

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