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21/07/2005
Minister sets out legislation to protect fire fighters
NIO Minister Shaun Woodward has announced new legislation to protect fire fighters who come under attack in the province.
Under the new legislation, it will be a statutory offence to assault fire fighters as they carry out their duties.
Launching the consultation exercise on the Draft Fire and Rescue Services legislation, Mr Woodward said: "We need to recognise the special problems facing fire fighters in Northern Ireland who have become victims of a series of hoax calls and personal attacks.
“I am not prepared to tolerate such attacks and intend to punish those people who think it is acceptable to endanger the lives of fire fighters.
"Those who continue to carry out these mindless attacks will now face the threat of going to court and a possible prison sentence. Fire fighters work to protect us, I want to ensure that they are also given every protection while they work."
The new draft legislation also requires the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to provide a rescue service at the scene of road traffic collisions.
The consultation exercise will run until the 14 October and invites anyone interested in the future of the Fire and Rescue Service to comment on the draft legislation.
(MB/GB)
Under the new legislation, it will be a statutory offence to assault fire fighters as they carry out their duties.
Launching the consultation exercise on the Draft Fire and Rescue Services legislation, Mr Woodward said: "We need to recognise the special problems facing fire fighters in Northern Ireland who have become victims of a series of hoax calls and personal attacks.
“I am not prepared to tolerate such attacks and intend to punish those people who think it is acceptable to endanger the lives of fire fighters.
"Those who continue to carry out these mindless attacks will now face the threat of going to court and a possible prison sentence. Fire fighters work to protect us, I want to ensure that they are also given every protection while they work."
The new draft legislation also requires the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service to provide a rescue service at the scene of road traffic collisions.
The consultation exercise will run until the 14 October and invites anyone interested in the future of the Fire and Rescue Service to comment on the draft legislation.
(MB/GB)
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