In April 2025 Mary introduced the Protection of Retail Workers Act 2025, a Bill aimed at amending the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act 1994 to create specific offences for assaulting, threatening, harassing, or abusing retail workers while they are carrying out their employment.
Retail workers across Ireland are on the front line serving us all every day. Yet they are increasingly subjected to abuse, harassment, theft and violent attacks. It is unacceptable that workers, who provide essential services in every community, are under daily attack. Workers deserve to be respected and protected. Specific legal protections are required to send a strong message that Retail Workers are to be protected. The Protection of Retail Workers Act 2025 will recognise the risks they face and ensure that those who threaten or harm retail staff are held to account.
You can read the Bill HERE
