This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Amendments to Emergency Workers Bill
18/11/2004
The Executive has today tabled amendments to its Emergency Workers Bill ahead of it beginning stage two in the Parliamentary process.
Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform Tom McCabe said it would now offer increased protection to the police, fire and ambulance workers as well as medical staff in hospitals, ensuring they are protected whenever they are on duty, as well as when they are dealing with emergency situations.
The legislation continues to make it a specific offence to assault, obstruct or hinder an emergency worker or anyone helping an emergency worker in an emergency situation.
The legislation already covers prison officers, coastguards and the lifeboatmen.
The maximum penalty under the Bill will be nine months imprisonment, a fine of £5,000 or both.
Mr McCabe said:
"My message is clear - any attacks on emergency workers are completely unacceptable. That is why we are bringing forward this legislation - to ensure people dealing with emergencies can go about their work without fear of attack or intimidation.
"It is important, however, that any legislation to tackle this problem is as robust and effective as it can be.
"That is why we are extending the protection offered by the Bill to ensure that the police, fire and ambulance workers as well as medical staff in hospitals are covered whenever they are on duty, as well as when they are actually dealing with emergencies.
"These workers often face attack and are those who most often deal with emergencies - and they should be given the most protection.
"An attack on any one of these workers, even when they are just on duty, can mean less capability to deal with emergencies - putting lives at risk. That is why we have amended the Bill.
"I am extremely grateful to Justice Committee 1 for its hard work and diligence in scrutinising this Bill.
"As a former Committee convenor, I greatly value the important role Committees perform - they bring a fresh perspective to the legislation we bring forward and their participation is an essential part of the process. That has certainly been the case on this occasion.
"On this occasion, we have taken on board their views and comments to ensure the most effective and robust piece of legislation which will give our dedicated emergency service workers the level of protection they expect and deserve."