Thurles Information

Government agrees to increased sentences for all assaults causing harm to Gardaí and Emergency Service employees.

• Maximum sentence for assault on emergency worker will increase from 7 to 12 years.
• New law will apply to assault or obstruction of Gardaí or emergency service workers, including hospital staff, prison officers, members of the fire brigade, ambulance personal and Defence Forces.
• Applies to any assault – including the ramming of a vehicle.

The Government on Tuesday lastagreed to a proposal for the Minister for Justice Mr Simon Harris to amend laws to increase sentences for assaults causing harm to members of An Garda Síochána and other emergency workers.

These legislative changes will be brought forward by way of Committee Stage amendments to the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.

The amendments will change the maximum sentence for assaulting or obstructing a police officer from 7 to 12 years.

The increase in maximum sentence will apply where the assault, causing harm, in question is against an on duty Garda or emergency service worker, such as hospital staff, prison officers, members of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel or members of the Defence Forces.

Minister Harris said: “Assaulting a Garda or another emergency worker in the course of their duties is inexcusable and shows flagrant disregard for the rule of law.
No person who puts on a uniform and goes to work with the ultimate mission of keeping members of the public safe, deserves to be targeted, attacked or obstructed while doing that job.
Assaults on emergency workers can have serious impacts on the direct victim, who are sometimes left with life and career-changing injuries. But we also need to be cognisant of the ripple effect these assaults can have on public safety if, as a result of injury to an emergency worker or damage to a vehicle, the emergency service available to members of the public is negatively affected – assaults on emergency workers can victimise the communities that they serve too.
This legislation applies to any assault – any unlawful use of force, or threat of force, direct or indirect – against a Garda or emergency worker. That might be a punch, it may involve the use of a weapon, or it might be ramming their vehicle.

As Minister for Justice I am committed to building safer, stronger communities, and I am committed to protecting and supporting those who work to keep our communities safe. I am glad to have the support of Government to ensure our laws appropriately reflect those objectives, and look forward to seeing these legislation progress as quickly as possible.”

The Criminal Justice (Miscellanous Provisions) Bill is on the Government Legislation Programme priority list and has now passed all stages in Dáil Eireann. Second Stage in Seanad Éireann is scheduled for 23rd May 2023.

• This legislation will allow for an increase of judges across all courts as recommended by the Judicial Planning Working Group earlier this year.

Earlier today, Minister Browne took the bill through Committee and Final stages in the Seanad. The Bill will now be referred to the President of Ireland to be signed into law.

A key recommendation arising from the report published by the Judicial Planning Working Group was to increase judicial numbers to ensure the efficient administration of justice over the next five years.

In February of this year, Minister for Justice, Mr Simon Harris received Government approval to appoint an additional 44 judges to the courts in Ireland by the end of 2024. An initial tranche of 24 will be appointed this year, followed by a further tranche of 20 subject to the implementation of reforms and efficiencies to the operation of the courts.

Primary legislation was required to enable this increase, so the Courts Bill 2023 was drafted as a priority.

Speaking after the completion of the Bill’s passage through the Houses of the Oireachtas, Minister Browne said: “Ensuring that the Courts are resourced to administer justice efficiently and effectively is central to ensuring there is access to justice.
To continue to improve access to justice for all of our citizens, we will increase the number of judges in two phases, beginning with 24 additional judges this year. This increase in judicial resources was recommended by the Judicial Planning Working Group earlier this year and has been approved by government.
The Courts Bill 2023 will allow Government to significantly increase the number of judges. Not only will this enable the Courts Service to provide an efficient and fair service, it also paves the way for policy initiatives under the Programme for Government such as the establishment of a dedicated Planning and Environmental Court and for the provisions under the Family Law Bill.”

The Courts Bill 2023, when enacted, will allow for a maximum of 17, up from 16 judges to be appointed to the Court of Appeal; 48, up from 45 judges to be appointed to the High Court; 45, up from 41 judges to be appointed to the Circuit Court; and 71, up from 64 judges to the District Court.

Minister Browne added: “This substantial increase in judicial resources will be complemented by the ongoing implementation of the Courts Modernisation Plan.
My Department is committed to driving a modernisation and Digital First agenda across the entire Justice Sector. We will work with the Courts Service and the Judiciary to deliver a number of important commitments in the Programme for Government which will help ensure that we have a modern Courts Service.”

Minister for Justice, Mr Simon Harris T.D., opens Dublin Metropolitan Control Centre at Heuston Station.

• Minister and Garda Commissioner visit new modern premises for call & dispatch operations.
• An Garda Síochána, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council to locate together at Heuston station.
• New centre another step in strengthening links between An Garda Síochána and transport operators.

Minister for Justice Mr Simon Harris is today opening the new Garda Síochána DMR Control Centre based at the National Train Control Centre at Heuston Station in Dublin.

This state-of-the art new premises, which will house the operations of call takers and dispatchers, is another step forward in modernising An Garda Síochána and strengthening links with public transport operators.

This call and dispatch centre, located on a floor in the new National Train Control Centre in Heuston Station, is the nerve centre to Garda operations in the Dublin Metropolitan region and the personnel working there are the people at the frontline taking sometimes the most challenging and time-sensitive calls.

Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council are also expected to locate their control rooms there, in the near future.

The location of An Garda Síochána, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council control centres in the same building will help Gardaí to build upon the already excellent relationships they have with public transport providers, particularly in the event of serious emergencies requiring coordinated responses.

An Garda Síochána also plan to increase their presence in some other stations in the time ahead.

Remarking on the opening, Minister for Justice Simon Harris TD said: “We are committed to building stronger, safer communities by ensuring An Garda Síochána have state of the art premises and allowing for greater co-operation with CIE and Dublin City Council.
I am delighted to join Commissioner Harris in opening these new facilities today
It is crucial that anyone who finds themselves in an emergency situation has the confidence to call 999 and know that their call will be responded to promptly and professionally. I want to thank the call and dispatch staff for affording callers that confidence.
And I look forward to this facility being used jointly by An Garda Síochána, Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council to improve public safety.”

The new €40million building was funded by the National Transport Authority under the National Development Plan and is designed to Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB) standards.

Functions from Iarnród Éireann and Dublin City Council will be co-located in the building along with the Garda Síochána DMR Control Centre.

The Office of Public Works oversaw the planning and fit-out for the 999 call taking and dispatch centre.

Yes, dear readers, it is still all about Dublin. Read HERE