Mental Health Services.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 February 2004

Tuesday, 24 February 2004

Questions (270, 271)

Liz McManus

Question:

371 Ms McManus asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will honour his commitment to implement the findings of the report on assaults on psychiatric nurses which incorporates a no-fault compensation scheme; the timescale for the implementation of the no-fault compensation scheme; the status of the report in the context of the political process; the delays which exist in relation to it; his position in relation to the report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5717/04]

Olwyn Enright

Question:

381 Ms Enright asked the Minister for Health and Children the status of the task force to investigate assaults on psychiatric nurses; if he intends to set up a compensation scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5776/04]

Written answers

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 371 and 381 together.

I met representatives of the Psychiatric Nurses Association on 24 September 2003. Among the issues discussed was the report of the task force on assaults on psychiatric nurses and, in particular, the proposal that a scheme be established to compensate psychiatric nurses seriously injured as a result of assault by a patient.

Officials from my Department prepared a draft memorandum for Government on the recommendations contained in the report. This draft memorandum was circulated to other Departments for their observations. Responses have now been received from all Departments and are under consideration. Arrangements have been made to meet the Psychiatric Nurses Association and SIPTU in relation to the matter.