Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 370: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 235 of 12 April 2005, the current status of the review; when a compensation scheme will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25084/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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My officials are continuing to examine the feasibility of introducing a vaccine damage compensation scheme. A preliminary review of the vaccine damage compensation schemes in place in a number of other countries was undertaken by my Department earlier this year in order to establish general details of schemes already in existence. More recently my officials have been carrying out an investigation to identify the most relevant models from a clinical, administrative and fairness point of view. When this investigation has been concluded I will be in a position to consider the available options. The completion of this work has been included in the Department's 2005 business plan.

Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 371: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children further to Parliamentary Question No. 72 of 22 March 2005 if she intends to fulfil a written commitment given by her predecessor to establish a no fault compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [25085/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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The report of the task force on assaults on psychiatric nurses was discussed at the Cabinet meeting on 13 July 2005. After considering the task force report, the Government decided not to introduce a no fault compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses. Complex legal and financial issues had emerged regarding aspects of the proposed scheme and their implications for the health service and the wider public service. The Government, however, decided to ask the State Claims Agency, SCA, to examine the possibility of amending the revised serious physical assaults scheme 2001 to include a fixed redress fund for physical injury caused by assault at work. The SCA has been requested to report on the feasibility and implications of this option. Upon receipt of the report from the SCA and further consultations with the Department of Finance and the Office of the Attorney General, the Government will give further consideration to this matter.