Fianna Fáil Senator in Monaghan and Seanad Spokesperson on Justice, Robbie Gallagher, has said that tougher maximum sentences for assaulting or threatening to assault a garda or other on-duty emergency workers are welcome, but consideration must still be given to minimum sentencing for assaults to protect emergency workers.
From Wednesday, the Criminal Justice Miscellaneous Provisions Act increases the maximum sentence for assaulting or threatening to assault a garda or other on-duty emergency worker from seven to 12 years.
Senator Gallagher, who previously served as a member of An Garda Síochána, said he is delighted maximum sentences for assaults causing harm to emergency workers who on a daily basis put their lives at risk in doing their work have increased.
The local senator said there has been many recent high-profile assaults on Gardaí and emergency workers, adding that "we all depend on our emergency workers to protect us in our moment of need and the very least we can do as legislators is ensure we protect them as well."
