Denis Naughten (Longford-Roscommon, Fine Gael)
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Question 139: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children if she intends to fulfil a written commitment to establish a no fault compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [39842/05]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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Following its consideration earlier this year of the report of the task force on assaults on psychiatric nurses the Government decided not to introduce a no fault compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses. Complex legal and financial issues had emerged in relation to aspects of the proposed scheme and their implications for the health service and the wider public service.

It was decided instead to request 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. My Department has requested the SCA to report on the feasibility, implications and estimated costs of this option. I understand that the SCA's report is almost complete and I expect to receive it in the coming weeks.

Upon receipt of the report from the SCA further consultations will take place with the Department of Finance and the Office of the Attorney General. The matter will then be again referred to the Government for further consideration.