Mandatory prison sentences for people who assault frontline workers have been refused by the Justice Minister

Ronan Clogher, deputy general secretary, AGSI; with Justice Minister Helen McEntee before she addressed the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors Annual Conference. Picture: Conor McKeown

Calls made by garda sergeants and inspectors for mandatory prison sentences for people who assault frontline workers have been refused by the Justice Minister.

Helen McEntee said the Government was advised that to do so would “be overstepping the mark” as Justice Minister and would infringe on the constitutional separation of powers.