Vol. 518 No. 5
144 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children the concerns he has with regard to the level of medical litigation in Ireland in view of the fact that it is about to outstrip that of the United States; and the implications it has for his Department. [12306/00]
Given the difference in the nature of the legal systems in Ireland and the United States comparisons of the sort suggested in the Deputy's question are of little value. In any event the level of litigation in Ireland is of concern even if looked at in isolation. I am unaware of the level of medical litigation in the United States. The Government, in December 1999, agreed in principle to introduce changes in the manner in which the health service insures itself and its employees against claims for clinical negligence. The Government has also asked that consideration be given to the introduction of a no fault scheme for brain damaged infants.
My predecessor and the Attorney General met representatives of the Medical Defence Union and the Medical Protection Society at the end of last year to discuss changes in the way in which personal injury claims are dealt with by the courts. The two organisations have since made written submissions to the Attorney General on reform in this area.
