A 'good Samaritan's bill', preventing citizens who come to the aid of a person in an emergency situation from being sued if things go wrong, is to be brought to cabinet within weeks and will become law by the middle of June.

The Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill will specifically address concerns that there is currently no legal protection for 'Good Samaritans' or volunteer rescuers, who intervene to assist an injured person, against subsequent claims from the injured person that the intervention – however genuine – had made the situation worse.

The Law Reform Commission had been asked to examine the issue by the government. It found that, although it was unlikely that liability would arise in most situations, a risk of litigation could not be ruled out, especially in the context of organised volunteering activity.

It recommended the new legislation would provide for a full defence against a civil liability claim for Good Samaritans and voluntary rescuers, unless there is gross negligence involving a high risk or likelihood of injury.

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern is now bringing forward a bill based on that recommendation.

"A well-intentioned person who helps someone who is ill or hurt in an emergency need not fear being sued as a result of his or her intervention," he said.