Written question asked by Martin Smyth (Ulster Unionist Party) on Thursday, 3 February 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 22 February 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Tuesday, 22 February 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will introduce legislation to protect persons serving within the National Health Service from physical and verbal abuse.

Answer: Rev. Martin Smyth: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will introduce legislation to protect persons serving within the national health service from physical and verbal abuse. [214819] Angela Smith: Legislation already exists under the Public Order (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 which includes offences such as assault, assault and battery, and grievous bodily harm, and offences in relation to conduct in public buildings. The Department has made it clear that it will not tolerate attacks on Health and Personal Social Services staff and expects employers to take reasonable steps to protect staff and to actively support staff who have been subjected to such incidents. There are no plans to introduce any further legislation. However, the Department continues to closely monitor the number of attacks on staff and will review the situation should the monitoring process highlight a growing trend.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 431 c571W;431 c567W; 214819
Session: 2004-05
Subjects: Crimes of violence Health services NHS Northern Ireland Protection Staff
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk