Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 132: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the findings of the task force established in April 2002 by her predecessor to examine the incidence of assault on psychiatric nurses; when she proposes to implement these findings; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5916/05]

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 133: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children when it is proposed to introduce a no faults compensation package for psychiatric nurses who are injured as a result of assaults at work; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5917/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 132 and 133 together.

The report of the task force on assaults on psychiatric nurses was completed in 2003. In addition to quantifying the level of assaults and making recommendations on prevention, the report contained proposals for a scheme of compensation for psychiatric nurses who have been seriously injured as a result of an assault by a patient in the workplace.

Government approval would be required for the introduction of any new State compensation scheme, which would be additional to the existing serious physical assaults scheme, last revised in 2001. The serious physical assaults scheme provides enhanced sick pay arrangements for nurses assaulted at work. Medical expenses are also refunded. In circumstances where a nurse is certified permanently unfit to resume duty he or she may be paid five sixths of full salary until retirement.

In late 2003 a draft memorandum for Government was circulated and during the consultation process, complex legal and financial issues emerged on aspects of the scheme proposed by the task force and their implications for the health service and the wider public service.

In March 2004 the Psychiatric Nurses' Association and SIPTU were advised that particular concerns had been raised concerning the proposed scheme. In the meantime officials from my Department have been in consultation with the Department of Finance and the office of the Attorney General. I am sure the Deputy will appreciate that the issues involved are very complex and have far reaching implications for the health service. I expect to be in a position to provide more definite information shortly.