Call for zero tolerence over attacks on emergency service

The Irish Fire and Emergency Services Association (IFESA) wants a ‘zero tolerance’ approach adopted over acts of violence and assault on emergency and frontline staff, particularly over the Halloween period.

IFESA National Chairman, John Kidd appealed to parents to ensure that their children understand and respect the role of firefighters in protecting communities at this time of year.

'Halloween, is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for the fire and emergency services and unfortunately in recent years we have experienced instances of assault and anti-social behaviour directed at fire engines and crews,” explained Mr Kidd. He said “people need to understand that when attending bonfires, the fire services are not ‘Killjoys’ but are responding to incidents that pose a danger to communities and individuals.”

“The whole community has a responsibility to ensure that fire-fighters are not injured and we appeal to the public to support us in responding to ‘call outs’ over Halloween and to report any incidents to the Gardaí,” Mr Kidd remarked.

“Unfortunately, at this time of year we see a rise in attacks on fire and emergency services. These attacks have injured crews in the past and left vital emergency vehicles out of service resulting in delays in responding to cases of real emergency. There should be nothing less than a ‘zero tolerance’ across all communities to these incidents,’ he stated.

The IFESA has repeatedly called on the Government to introduce mandatory sentences for those convicted of assault on all front line emergency personnel – including fire and ambulance personnel , Gardai and nurses - in the course of their duties. “We totally reject recent comments by the Minister for Justice, Francis Fitzgerald that existing legislation is sufficient to protect frontline emergency personnel such as fire fighters, paramedics, nurses and Gardai,” Mr Kidd added.

He insisted “current legislation and sentencing is not stopping assaults on front line workers and we will continue to demand mandatory sentences that will send a clear message that assault and violence directed at frontline emergency staff is never acceptable.”

The IFESA also appealed to the public to take extra care this Halloween and in particular to follow the safety guidelines if illegal fireworks are being used and handled.