There have been calls for tougher laws to protect emergency services staff.
Fianna Fáil TD and Spokesperson on Dublin, John Lahart has called for legislation to be introduced to crack down on those who attack frontline workers.
The Deputy was commenting following reports this morning of a dangerous incident in North Dublin where a fire officer suffered a perforated ear drum after a firework was thrown at him.
"Those working to protect the safety of ordinary citizens are not just a uniform, they are human. They have families and lives too and the public needs to act with respect. We need to teach our young people that same message, that those they are trying to harm could be their own loved one," said Deputy Lahart.
"Fianna Fáil previously introduced legislation to ensure that all those working on the front line are protected through The Assaults on Emergency Workers Bill 2012.
"The bill had provided for a minimum five-year prison term for anyone found guilty of a serious attack on frontline workers but it is clear that we need a further measures to deter anyone who threatens assault or causes harm to these staff.
"There can be no wavering in our support for frontline workers at high risk and working to protect those living in and visiting our city."
Sadly, one of our B'town firefighters suffered an ear injury at a fire after a firework was thrown. Let's have a safe #Halloween for all pic.twitter.com/K7kQSWaiTG
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) October 30, 2017
Dennis Keeley, Acting Chief Fire Officer, said: “We’ve had 12 reports of violence and aggression towards our crews, and this is just unacceptable. It’s unacceptable behavior.”
Kilbarrack's D Watch have been called to another bonfire stash #fire alongside the @IrishRail line. Thanks again to Iarnrod Eireann for help pic.twitter.com/LgwO33zXuc
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) October 29, 2017
Comedian PJ Gallagher summed up how most of us feel.
If you see anyone attack firefighters this weekend please kick them so hard in the arse you wear them like a shoe until Christmas. https://t.co/zUjCoX7PaA
— PJ Gallagher (@pjgallagher) October 30, 2017
