People convicted of attacking health workers in Northern Ireland could be jailed for nine months under a new law being considered by Health Minister Michael McGimpsey.
Mr McGimpsey (UUP, South Belfast) said he would consider bringing forward legislation after MLAs backed calls from his colleague the Rev Robert Coulter (UUP, North Antrim) for a new Bill to be introduced.
"It is appalling to imagine that those dedicated to saving lives and public service should be subjected to physical and verbal abuse," the minister told MLAs. "That includes ambulance staff, doctors and nurses in the front line, accident and emergency departments, other staff in the health and social care sector and the Fire and Rescue Services.
"And although not within my area of responsibility, also the Prison Service and the police - all of whom have served all of the people of Northern Ireland without fear or favour over 30 years of the Troubles."
Despite increased publicity and public awareness of the attacks, the minister noted attacks continued to rise. A total of 5,926 assaults took place on Health and Social Care workers last year - an increase of 6 per cent. One hundred and thirty were against ambulance staff, 107 against doctors and 3,377 were directed at nurses.
There were 37 attacks on fire engines, with seven firefighters sustaining injury. In Scotland, legislation was brought in in 2005 imposing a nine month sentence.
While the minister acknowledged new laws could help, he also stressed the need for publicity campaigns, the provision of personal alarm systems for lone workers, closed circuit television and increased security in accident and emergency departments.
"I also believe that the Zero Tolerance approach on violent or abusive behaviour towards staff which has been adopted by all health and social care employers will provide a useful support mechanism for health service workers," he added.