LRC backs legal protection for ‘Good Samaritans’

PEOPLE who act as “Good Samaritans” and go to the rescue of others in life-threatening situations should be legally protected from the threat of civil action except in cases of gross negligence, the Law Reform Commission (LRC) has recommended.

However, the LRC has ruled against the introduction of a new law which would impose a positive duty on citizens and off-duty medical and security personnel to intervene to assist others at risk.

In a new report due to be published today, the LRC has recommended the introduction of a new Civil Liability (Good Samaritans and Volunteers) Bill, which would help deal with any anxiety felt by people who go to the aid of others in difficulty and volunteers as well as to clarify the law on the issue.