Bernard Allen
Question:440 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health the steps, if any, which he intends to take to deal with the spiralling medical litigation bills in recent times.
Written Answers. - Medical Litigation Bills.
Bernard Allen
Question:446 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will introduce legislation in order to control the level of fees being demanded by medical defence bodies; and the steps, if any, he has taken to ensure that such defence bodies justify the moneys they are seeking from doctors.
I propose to take Questions Nos. 440 and 446 together.
An interdepartmental Working Group is presently examining the whole area of medical negligence/litigation. Their report is being finalised and will be presented to me shortly. I am aware of the problems posed by the increased cost of medical indemnity and I can assure the Deputy that I will be considering the issues raised as a matter of urgency.