Fianna Fáil Press Office
Senator Robbie Gallagher
Cavan Monaghan
22 Nov 2022
Mandatory Sentences are imperative to protect the emergency services - Senator Robbie Gallagher
Former member of An Gardaí Siochana and Fianna Fáil Senator Robbie Gallagher has said mandatory sentences are imperative to protecting members of the emergency services.
The Fianna Fáil Senator has said his mandatory sentencing bill for anyone convicted of an assault on a member of the emergency services must be implemented as soon as possible.
The Cavan Monaghan Senator has proposed the Criminal Justice (Public Order) (Amendment) Bill 2019 which would provide for a mandatory prison sentence in respect of an assault on a member of the emergency services
Commenting after a recent attack on two Gardaí, the Fianna Fáil Justice spokesperson said:
“It’s some time now since I proposed this legislation which would ensure mandatory sentences for anyone who is charged with the assault of a member of the emergency services.
“It would ensure a minimum of five years for anyone convicted of an assault on a member of the emergency services unless the court decides that by reason of exceptional and specific circumstances relating to the offence or it would be unjust.
“I’ve also proposed a new section to the Bill that would mean that a person would not be eligible for parole before the expiry of such a minimum term. The bill will also make it a specific offence to ram an emergency services vehicle.
“Just in the last few days we’ve seen a vicious attack on two Gardaí and not long ago we had a Garda car being rammed while responding to an anti-social behaviour call. We have to act now to come down harder on those that think they can attack a Garda or any other member of the emergency services.
“As a former member of An Gardaí Siochana, I’m well aware of the danger members put themselves in on a daily basis. We must ensure that we have the most stringent of sentences for those who assault Gardaí.”
ENDS