§ Mrs. Iris RobinsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what steps are being taken to minimise antisocial behaviour in(a) accident and emergency departments and (b) hospitals in general; and if he will make a statement. [161680]
§ Angela SmithThe Department is extremely concerned about violent attacks against any staff working in the Health and Personal Social Services (HPSS), including attacks on staff in accident and emergency departments and in hospitals in general. The Department regards such attacks as totally unacceptable and will be launching a campaign shortly to raise public awareness that violent acts against staff working in the HPSS will not be tolerated, that violence against staff is a crime and that the perpetrators could face a prison sentence.