New figures show 309 alleged assaults on emergency staff in one year

The Department of Justice published the figures, which show the rate of convictions and non-convictions.

THE SCALE OF the number of assaults on front-line emergency staff is clear from newly-released information.

New figures released by the Department of Justice show that in 2011 there were 309 recorded incidents of alleged assault, the Medical Independent reports.

It says that out of these, there were 69 convictions and 66 non-convictions.

Between 2006 and 2011, there were 1,551 incidents, which include alleged assaults on prison officers, gardaí, ambulance personnel, fire brigade members and defence forces, as well as staff giving medical assistance in a hospital.

In addition, 248 assaults were recorded in 2010, with 87 convictions resulting from this.

Read: “Serious concern” over staff shortages in Emergency Departments>

Making a difference

A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

For the price of one cup of coffee each week you can make sure we can keep reliable, meaningful news open to everyone regardless of their ability to pay.

Support us Learn More