Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 3 Dec 2003

Vol. 576 No. 2

Written Answers. - Nursing Staff.

John Cregan

Question:

158 Mr. Cregan asked the Minister for Health and Children further to Question No. 387 of 1 July 2003, if the task force which was set up in April 2002 has now completed its investigation; if so, if the report of its findings and recommendations has been presented to the Department; the position on compensation cases pending; when payment will be made; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29374/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

Following discussions with the Psychiatric Nurses Association and SIPTU, I established a task force in April 2002 to investigate the incidence of assaults on psychiatric nurses, with a view to exploring preventative measures to reduce the incidences of such assaults and, as a practical measure, where such assaults have resulted in serious physical and psychological injury, to provide for a compensation scheme for nurses working in the mental health services. The task force reported in April 2003 and its findings have been presented to me.

The report deals with the causes and effects of violent acts in mental health services and makes a number of practical recommendations on preventing and minimising the incidence of assaults. It also sets out the framework for a scheme of compensation for psychiatric nurses who have been seriously injured as a result of an assault in the workplace.

The position on cases currently awaiting court decisions or hearings is that the scheme, as proposed, makes provision for psychiatric nurses who have been injured as a result of a serious assault in the course of their duties and who have instituted legal proceedings, and who wish to have their claims processed in accordance with the provisions of the proposed compensation scheme.

Officials from my Department have prepared a memorandum for Government on the recommendations contained in the report. This draft memorandum has recently been circulated to other Government Departments for their observations. I expect to receive comments from other Departments shortly. Further consideration will then be given to progressing the recommendations contained in the report.