Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 3 July 2025
37. Deputy Pádraig O'Sullivan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if he will provide an update on the number of attacks on members of An Garda Síochána; the number of man hours lost consequently, for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025, in tabular form; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35408/25]
View answerWe are all immensely grateful to our Gardaí for their outstanding dedication and commitment to serving the public and for the important role that they play in our society.For the most part, the relationship between Gardaí and the public is one built on very significant trust. An Garda Síochána is a largely unarmed, and yet hugely effective, community policing service.An assault on a member of An Garda Síochána, a prison officer, a member of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel, or a member of the Defence Forces is an offence under section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994.
In November 2023, the Government increased the maximum sentence for assaulting or threatening to assault a Garda or other on-duty emergency workers from 7 to 12 years.These changes send a very clear message that attacks on frontline workers will not be tolerated, and will be dealt with robustly.
I am informed by Garda authorities that the below table shows the number of attacks on Garda members for the years 2022, 2023, 2024 and to date in 2025.
Number of Gardaí who reported sustaining an occupational injury as a result of being assaulted in 2022,2023,2024 and to date in 2025 (as of 26 June 2025)
|
Year |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
Total |
|
Gardaí |
337 |
470 |
372 |
128 |
1307 |
The Garda authorities have advised me that data on the number of hours lost due to occupational injuries is not available. However, the Garda Commissioner does disclose details of days lost both through injury on duty and through illness each year in the published annual report which are available at this link: www.garda.ie/en/about-us/publications/annual%20reports/an-garda-siochana-annual-reports/
