Criminal Law, Civil Law and Defence (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2026: Report and Final Stages
Dail Éireann — 2026-06-10
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Jim O'Callaghan (FF), Dublin Bay South

I did say that and I looked at it. I support the intention behind the legislation to ensure that there is legal recognition of the fact that gardaí deserve to be protected. My problem was that I need to have broader consideration of the legislative proposal in light of other legislation that exists at present. For instance, one of the things that was brought to my attention was that section 19 of the public order Act provides substantive protections for members of An Garda Síochána and other peace officers such as prison officers and members of the fire brigade in the execution of their respective duties. If I am going to introduce this provision, I am going to have to think of what the response will be from those other emergency workers or people who are involved in the prison service or fire brigade. Section 91 of the 1994 Act provides that any person who assaults or threatens to assault a peace officer, including a member of An Garda Síochána, is guilty of an offence.
There are very significant penalties there. On summary conviction a fine not exceeding €5,000 or a term of imprisonment of 12 months and on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 years or both or a fine at the discretion of the court. It is an issue I am worried about. I cannot just put it in now because I need to consider the impact on other workers and groups but I will give the Deputy the commitment that I will give further consideration to it. I know he will not be hesitant about bringing this forward again. It is something I am aware of. The mischief is there where some people are becoming increasingly aggressive to An Garda Síochána notwithstanding the fact that we all know the overwhelming majority of Irish people are very supportive of the Garda. I cannot accept the amendment at this Stage. I would need to give it more consideration, I am afraid, but I will not run away from it in the future.

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Record URI: https://data.oireachtas.ie/akn/ie/debateRecord/dail/2026-06-10/debate/main
Retrieved: 2026-09-28T05:50:47+00:00
Sitting date: 2026-06-10