SHORTALL CONDEMNS ATTACKS ON FIRE OFFICERS
Issued : Wednesday 28 October, 2009
Labour’s Roisin Shortall has condemned Halloween attacks on Dublin fire officers in Ballymun.
Deputy Shortall said: "Halloween should be a hugely enjoyable occasion, but unfortunately over the last number of years we have seen these festivities in some instances taken over by violent behaviour, perpetrated by a small number of disruptive people, like we witnessed in Ballymun.
"The fire service had to deal with some 800 incidents last year, the run-up to Halloween is their most dangerous time and it is a sad statistic that many will be injured during this time. Attacks on the fire service are becoming commonplace and happening all over the city.
"We need to protect and respect the hard working men and women of the fire service and indeed all emergency services. Their job is to help people and any attempt to impede that work is disgraceful. I fully support the fire service in their call for parents and members of the community to ensure that Halloween festivities are safe and that the work of the fire service is not interfered with.
"It is already a criminal offence to attack emergency workers such as fire fighters and Gardai but all too often it seems that these thugs can act with impunity. It is up to the judiciary to make sure that where somebody is found guilty of such offences that the full rigours of the law are brought to bear."
