Outlining the extent of the problem Mr McGimpsey said the number of attacks on emergency workers over the past year are still on the rise despite increased publicity and public awareness. There were 5,926 attacks on health and social care workers last year an increase of 6%.
The Minister was speaking today following an Assembly debate on a motion calling for him to make it an offence punishable by imprisonment for a period not exceeding 9 months, or by a fine up to £5,000, or both, for all persons assaulting emergency workers engaged in the pursuit of their duty or impeding persons assisting such emergency workers.
Mr McGimpsey said: “It is appalling to imagine that those dedicated to saving lives and public service should be subjected to physical and verbal abuse while carrying out their jobs.
“Ambulance staff, doctors and nurses, the Fire and Rescue Service,s the Prison Service and the PSNI have served all of the people of Northern Ireland without fear or favour over the thirty years of the troubles, it is unacceptable that they are increasingly the subject of attack or abuse.
“Emergency services staff must have confidence that they will receive the support of their employer when making a complaint against those who have attacked them. “
While recognising the need for tough legislation such as that introduced in Scotland in 2005 the Minister pointed to other ways in which attacks on emergency services staff could be deterred. Initiatives include publicity campaigns, personal alarms systems for lone workers, close circuit television and increased security in Accident and Emergency departments.
“I also believe that the zero tolerance approach on violent or abusive behaviour towards staff which has been adopted by all health and social care employers will provide a useful support mechanism for health service workers.
“None of these measures, however, will be entirely successful unless we as a community make it socially unacceptable for staff in vital positions to come under attack while doing their jobs,” Mr McGimpsey added.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- The Emergency Workers (Scotland) Act 2005 which makes it an offence to assault or impede persons who provide emergency services and for connected purposes. A person guilty of an offence under this Act is liable, on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a period not exceeding 9 months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to both.
- Under the provisions of the Emergency Services (Obstruction) Act 2006, which extends to Northern Ireland, a person guilty of doing so is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
- The Fire and Rescue Services (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 provides for penalties, on conviction, for assaults on, or obstruction of, fire and rescue officers and those assisting them. These penalties include up to 6 months imprisonment and/or up to the statutory maximum fine on summary conviction; or up to 2 years imprisonment and/or a fine on conviction on indictment.
- Any legislation similar to that in Scotland could only be introduced in Northern Ireland with the agreement of the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland.
