Vol. 421 No. 8
164 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on the situation wherein the Medical Defence Union have been reported by a person (details supplied) at the annual general meeting of the Non-Consultant Hospital Doctors Business Session of the IMO as wishing to get out of the medical indemnity field in Ireland; and if he will outline the implications this has for his Department and for the Exchequer.
The Medical Defence Union is one of two organisations which provide indemnity for medical staff working in the public health service in this country. The Medical Defence Union have not informed me that they intend to cease their activities in Ireland.
As I have previously informed the House, 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 and all the alternative options available. I expect the group to report shortly.
