McDowell: New law will strengthen protection for emergency workers

Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform Michael McDowell today said that provisions in the Criminal Justice Act 2006, which came into force on August 1, 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 Síochána and the judiciary for the prosecution and sentencing of persons who assault, threaten or obstruct emergency workers.”

Under the new law, the maximum penalty for assault or threats to commit assault is a fine and/or seven years imprisonment.

The maximum penalty in relation to wilful obstruction or impeding health service workers is a fine of €2,500 and/or 6 months imprisonment.