Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 30 April 2025
126. Deputy Gary Gannon asked the Minister for Justice how overcrowding has affected rates of prisoner on prisoner and prisoner on staff assaults in 2023 and Q1 2025; and whether an independent safety audit will be commissioned. [21478/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraI am advised by the Irish Prison Service that the number of direct physical assaults involving prison staff and prisoners in 2023 and 2024 is set out in the attached table. I am further informed by the Irish Prison Service that assault figures are published on an annual basis; therefore, data for Quarter 1 of 2025 is not yet available at the time of this response.
Every assault on a member of staff is treated as serious and appropriate action is taken by the Irish Prison Service, including the reporting of such assaults to An Garda Síochána for the purposes of investigation and criminal prosecution where appropriate. Staff who are subject to an assault or threat in a prison are given the necessary supports through the Employee Assistance Programme.
Section 19 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 as amended specifically provides for assaults or threats to peace officers, including prison officers acting in the execution of their duty. Any person who assaults or threatens to assault a peace officer in the execution of their duty is guilty of an offence.
The maximum penalty available for assaulting a peace officer, including prison officers, was increased from 7 years to 12 years in the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023, which came into effect in November 2023. This sends a very clear message that attacks on frontline workers will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly.
(Table containing Assault Figures for 2023-2024 attached)
