The government will propose an amendment to the Criminal Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill to significantly increase the maximum sentence for assaulting or obstructing a garda or emergency service worker from the current limit of seven years’ imprisonment.

The definition of “emergency service worker” covered by the change will include hospital staff, prison officers, members of the fire brigade, ambulance personnel and members of the Defence Forces.

“Assaulting a garda or another emergency worker in the course of their duties is inexcusable and shows flagrant disregard for the rule of law,” justice minister Simon Harris said yesterday.

“No person who puts on a uniform and goes to work with the ultimate mission of keeping members of the public safe deserves to be targeted, attacked or obstructed while doing that job.”

As well as “serious impacts on the direct victim”, assaults on emergency workers can have a “ripple effect” on public safety, the minister said.

He added: “This legislation applies to any assault — any unlawful use of force, or threat of force, direct or indirect — against a garda or emergency worker. That might be a punch, it may involve the use of a weapon, or it might be ramming their vehicle.

“As minister for justice I am committed to building safer, stronger communities, and I am committed to protecting and supporting those who work to keep our communities safe.

“I am glad to have the support of government to ensure our laws appropriately reflect those objectives, and look forward to seeing these legislation progress as quickly as possible.”

The Criminal Justice (Miscellanous Provisions) Bill has passed all stages in Dáil Eireann and is currently at second stage in Seanad Éireann.