Andrew Carey
A CALL for emergency responders to be protected by law has been made after members of the Limerick City Fire and Rescue service were attacked over the Halloween weekend.
Rocks were thrown at a fire engine at the junction of Hyde Road and Childers Road last Saturday night. No injuries were reported but damage to the vehicle included a large dent to the panel above the driver’s door window.
Limerick Fianna Fáil TD Niall Collins, who is the party’s spokesman on Justice, called on the Government to protect emergency workers with specific legislation making it an offence to attack emergency personnel on duty.
He said it is very disturbing to hear stories of ambulance and fire personnel coming under attack over the Halloween weekend.
“It has been clear to me for quite some time that we do not have strong enough legislation in place to protect Gardaí, fire officers, paramedics and other emergency personnel.
“There have been many serious and unacceptable incidents in recent years where emergency workers have come under attack while on duty. I believe this is such a serious offence it should be stipulated in law and carry a severe penalty.
Deputy Collins said his party had proposed a minimum five year jail term for anyone convicted of assaulting or threatening the life of a Garda, nurse, ambulance worker or fire officer while on duty.
“I don’t share the Government’s view that emergency personnel don’t need or deserve special recognition. Such is the importance of their work and the risks they take on a daily to protect us I believe we should match their commitment with our protection and respect in law.
“It should be made clear that it is not okay to attack an ambulance, or paramedics on duty”, he said.
The Assault on Emergency Workers Bill was produced three years ago and Deputy Collins says “there is no sensible reason why this has been allowed to languish on the Dáil Order Paper”.
Condemnation for the attacks flowed on social media on Saturday night when news of the incident broke. Most commented that the behaviour of those responsible was disgusting, while others echoed the views calling for arrests and prosecutions.
