John Perry (Sligo-Leitrim, Fine Gael)
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Question 267: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Health and Children the directive she has given to the Health Service Executive to deal with physical assaults on the nursing profession; the protection measures that will be put in place; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [15349/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I have not issued a directive to the Health Service Executive, HSE, to deal with physical assaults on the nursing profession. However, I am aware that the HSE recently established a working group to examine issues of this nature regarding all health care staff. My Department is represented on this group which aims to develop national policies for the health services on staff training, support structures, risk assessment, prevention of assaults and dealing with offenders who attack staff. Responsibility for the safety of staff rests with the HSE and other publicly funded health agencies who, as employers, must meet their obligations in this regard. The safety and security of all health care staff is of paramount importance and it is imperative that all appropriate measures should be utilised to protect staff, especially those working in circumstances which by the nature of the service being provided make them more vulnerable.