Frontline staff in Department of Social Protection face near-daily barrage of hostility

GARDAÍ were alerted to attacks, abuse, and threats against Department of Social Protection staff and clients in almost half of serious incidents recorded by employees over the last two years.

Staff representatives have now called for the legislating of specific offences for people who commit acts of violence against welfare staff.

The extent and range of abuse and violent incidents in welfare offices and job centres are revealed in staff logs obtained by the Irish Examiner.