Bill for Good Samaritans in final stages - Ahern

THE GOVERNMENT was in the final stages of preparing legislation protecting from liability those going to the aid of injured people, Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern told the Dáil.

He said it would cover those who, acting with good intentions, assisted people who were injured or ill as a result of an accident or emergency. Such people would not have to fear being sued, he added.

“The Government also recognises that fear of civil liability can hamper volunteerism and may prevent individuals and groups from providing assistance and services to others,’’ said Mr Ahern. “And without greater legal certainty in this area, the concern is that the perception may continue that there is a risk of civil liability to those who provide assistance or service on an ex gratia basis.’’

This, potentially, said Mr Ahern, discouraged volunteerism and might raise insurance premiums for volunteer groups.

Changes in society, pace of life and working patterns meant volunteerism was under stress and greater clarity in the law would benefit the State and Irish society as a whole, he added.

The Minister was responding to a Fine Gael Private Member’s Bill, moved by Billy Timmins, to give protection to members of the public or organisations assisting someone injured or ill.

Mr Timmins said the introduction of the Civil Liability (Good Samaritans and Volunteers) 2009 Bill was motivated by the growing use of defibrillators in the community and the concerns people had about possible litigation.

Mr Ahern suggested the House should defer a second reading of the Fine Gael Bill for six months. The Government was not opposing it, and he thanked Mr Timmins and justice spokesman Charles Flanagan for promoting the principle of what was involved.