Frustration may be to blame for nearly 200 'on the job' attacks carried out on social welfare staff over the past two years.

The Examiner reports they have faced death threats, knife attacks, physical assaults and verbal abuse.

Some of the most serious attacks happened in Dublin at the Navan Road and Tallaght social protection offices. In Tallaght, one person - a member of the public - was stabbed in the neck.

Juno McEnroe, Political Reporter with The Examiner, says that many people drawing benefits are stressed and frustrated: