Protection for welfare staff upgraded, claims Joan Burton

Social Protection Minister Joan Burton says her department is making every effort to protect welfare staff following recent attacks and abuse in dole centres.

Ms Burton also revealed special arrangements had been made for the processing of welfare for feuding families in some areas to prevent the breakout of violence or fighting in welfare centres.

She made her comments following the publication of incidents in the Irish Examiner, which included death threats to staff as well as assaults on clients at some welfare centres.