Menu
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)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
22 November 2024
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
SF Calls For Action On NI Mental Health Services
Sinn Féin has called for more to be done to improve mental health services across the north of Ireland. The party's mental health spokesperson, MLA Órlaithí Flynn, made the call after the release of the Registrar General's 2023 Annual Report which has highlighted an increase in deaths by suicide in 2023.
17 July 2001
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
ASSEMBLY CREATE AWARD TO HONOUR FIRE SERVICE
THE Northern Ireland Fire Service is to receive the first ever award given by the province's devolved assembly. An illuminated scroll is to be presented to Chief Fire Officer John McClelland on Tuesday, by assembly speaker Lord Alderdice in tribute to the sacrifice made by fire fighters over the years.
01 October 2024
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
NIFRS Launches Online Home Fire Safety Check Tool
The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) has introduced a new online tool to help residents assess their home fire safety. The Home Fire Safety Check coincides with Fire Safety Week, which runs from September 30th to October 6th. The initiative aims to reduce the number of house fires in Northern Ireland.
26 March 2002
Fire fighters take their case to Health Minister’s door
Northern Ireland’s fire fighters have brought their concerns about ongoing attacks on their staff to the attention of the Stormont Health Minister Bairbre de Brún.
Fire fighters take their case to Health Minister’s door
Northern Ireland’s fire fighters have brought their concerns about ongoing attacks on their staff to the attention of the Stormont Health Minister Bairbre de Brún.
07 November 2023
NIFRS Welcomes New 24/7 Crisis Line For Firefighters
A new crisis line, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has been launched to tackle suicide amongst present and past fire and rescue service personnel across UK Fire & Rescue Services.
NIFRS Welcomes New 24/7 Crisis Line For Firefighters
A new crisis line, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, has been launched to tackle suicide amongst present and past fire and rescue service personnel across UK Fire & Rescue Services.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
