Enda Kenny
Question:25 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health whether he has considered a no fault system for compensation for medical misadventure; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Medical Indemnity Insurance.
Godfrey Timmins
Question:83 Mr. Timmins asked the Minister for Health if he will give details of the total spending by public authorities on premia to provide doctors with defence cover against medical litigation; the way in which this compares with the sum spent in 1986; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 25 and 83 together.
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 the whole area of medical indemnity insurance. This group have been asked to produce a report on alternative options including a "no fault" system. However, I would prefer to make no further comment on the merits of any particular proposal until the group has reported.
The approximate annual cost of refunds of medical defence premia to my Department for the year 1986 was £0.375 million. The estimated cost in 1992 is £14 million.