Vol. 510 No. 5
129 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on a recent prediction by an insurance company that Ireland is facing a medico-legal crisis; and the proposals, if any, he has to address the spiralling costs of litigation against doctors which will eventually result in increased fees. [23003/99]
I am concerned at the rising cost of insuring doctors against claims arising from alleged medical negligence. The increasing cost of insurance merely reflects the increasing number of claims being made and the cost of settling them. This is part of a wider problem in Ireland concerning claims for personal injuries. In so far as claims against doctors are concerned, I hope to be able to bring forward proposals to make the handling of these claims more efficient.
