Vol. 419 No. 6
192 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on recent reported statements in the Irish Medical Times dated 17 April, that the Department of Health's chief medical officer has proposed that the Royal Colleges of Medicine and Surgery here should lay down formal standards of investigation and treatment for all major conditions in a bid to ease the growing crisis of medical litigation.
193 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the total amount paid by his Department as a proportion of doctor's defence fee premia for the years 1987 to 1991, and the projected costs for 1992.
217 Mr. Finucane asked the Minister for Health if his attention has been drawn to the growing cost of medical negligence, and if he favours a no fault system which would be fairer to patients and doctors alike.
237 Mr. Howlin asked the Minister for Health if he has any plans to address the issue of spiralling indemnity fee costs, particularly for non-consultant hospital doctors, and if he will make a statement on the matter.
243 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on recent reports that his Department are considering the introduction of a newly structured medical defence scheme for non-consultant hospital doctors from 1 July, under which junior doctors would have their defence fees paid by the State, and if he will outline the projected cost of the scheme.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 192, 193, 217, 237, and 243 together.
I am aware of the growing cost of litigation arising from allegations of medical negligence. These costs are rising for a number of reasons. The number of claims against individual doctors and against hospitals is rising; the size of awards made to successful claimants is rising and the associated legal costs falling on the parties to claims are also rising. The result of these developments is a significant increase in the cost of providing insurance cover against the risk of claims.
At the request of my predecessor, the Government approved the establishment of a working group representing the Departments of Health, Finance, Industry and Commerce and Justice, and the Office of the Attorney General to examine this area and to make recommendations. This group have been asked to produce a report on alternatives to the present system of establishing negligence and awarding compensation. The Group are examining a full range of alternative options including the introduction of a "no fault" system, practice guidelines and a specific scheme for non-consultant hospital doctors. However, I would prefer to make no further comment on the merits of any particular proposal until the group has reported. I expect to receive an interim report from the Group before the end of May.
The approximate annual cost of refunds of medical defence premia to my Department for the years 1987 to 1991 was £0.49 million, £0.86 million, £2.8 million, £4 million and £9 million respectively. The estimated cost in 1992 is £14 million.
