Vol. 574 No. 2
295 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has had recent contact with the Psychiatric Nurses' Association of Ireland regarding the implementation of the agreed compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses assaulted at work; and if so, the nature of this contact. [26753/03]
296 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children if he confirmed with representatives of the Psychiatric Nurses Association at a meeting held on 24 September 2003, that a memorandum was being prepared on the subject of an agreed compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses assaulted at work; the progress of the creation of this memorandum; and when he expects to bring the aforementioned memorandum before Government. [26754/03]
297 Mr. Crowe asked the Minister for Health and Children if his attention has been drawn to the fact that psychiatric nurses are the only group in the public sector required to detain persons against their will without having the safeguards of a statutory compensation scheme for their protection if assaulted at work; his views on the creation of such a scheme; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26755/03]
I propose to take Questions Nos. 295 to 297, inclusive, together.
I can confirm that I met representatives of the Psychiatric Nurses' Association of Ireland on 24 September 2003. This was a private meeting of the type held from time to time with health sector unions to discuss matters of mutual interest and concern. 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.
I informed the PNA that my officials were preparing a memorandum for Government on the recommendations contained in the report. This draft memorandum has recently been circulated to other Departments for their observations. I expect to receive comments from them in the next few weeks. Further consideration will then be given to progressing the recommendations contained in the report.
While I have no responsibility in relation to public servants outside the health service, I understand that some groups of public servants such as customs officers, have powers to detain persons against their will. Other than gardaí and prison officers, I am not aware of any group of public servants with access to a compensation scheme.
Within the mental health services, consultant psychiatrists, registered medical practitioners and registered nurses may detain persons suffering from mental disorders as provided for under the Mental Health Act 2001.
There is no compensation scheme in place for psychiatric nurses or any other group of health service staff who are assaulted by patients in the course of their duty. However, there are a number of existing supports in place for psychiatric nurses who are assaulted by patients. The serious physical assault scheme provides for sick leave of six months on full pay. An extension of three months on full pay and a further extension of three months on basic pay may be granted. If the nurse is certified permanently incapacitated, he or she is paid five sixths of basic salary. Certain medical expenses are refunded to a nurse who has been assaulted, including expenditure in respect of treatment provided by the public health service, consultant/GP/casualty visits and prescription charges.
