Jerry Cowley (Mayo, Independent)
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Question 326: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she will increase the number of adult neurologists in the public health system which currently stands at 16; her views on whether this falls far short of the 39 neurologists recommended in the Comhairle na nOspidéal report; and if she will ensure that priority is given to this; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30823/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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As part of the Estimates for health services in 2006, additional funding of €3m was allocated specifically for the further development of neurology and neurophysiology services. This funding was provided to allow the Health Service Executive to further progress the implementation of the recommendations made by the former Comhairle na nOspidéal in respect of these services.

My Department has requested the Parliamentary Affairs Division of the Executive to have this matter investigated and to have a more detailed reply issued directly to the Deputy.

Paudge Connolly (Cavan-Monaghan, Independent)
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Question 327: To ask the Minister for Health and Children if she proposes to provide a compensation for psychiatric nurses assaulted at work as recommended by a Government appointed task force and as discussed by her Department, the Health Service Executive employers agency and the trade unions in May 2006; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [30824/06]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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In considering the Report of the Task Force, complex legal and financial issues emerged in relation to aspects of the proposed scheme and their implications for the health service and the wider public service. As a result the Government decided in July 2005 not to introduce a "no fault" compensation scheme for psychiatric nurses as outlined in the Task Force Report. I confirmed this position to the nurses' representatives at a meeting in July 2005.

However, following the Government decision it was decided to request the State Claims Agency (SCA) to examine the possibility of establishing a fixed redress fund for psychiatric nurses physically injured as a result of an assault by a patient.

Consultations between my Department, the Department of Finance, the SCA and the Health Service Executive — Employers Agency have been ongoing. Proposals for consideration by Government are at an advanced stage and I expect to be in a position to bring the matter to Government in the near future.