Vol. 551 No. 4
138 Mr. B. Smith asked the Minister for Health and Children if further consideration will be given to the claim by the Psychiatric Nurses' Association of Ireland for compensation in respect of assaults on nurses; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10756/02]
I met the Psychiatric Nurses' Association recently to discuss its proposals for the introduction of such a compensation scheme.
The Deputy should be aware that the Irish Nurses Organisation and SIPTU have also sought a compensation scheme for nurses. The Health Service Employers Agency has indicated in the context of the recent dispute in accident and emergency that it is prepared to have discussions on this issue in the context of the wider health service.
