Vol. 549 No. 1
100 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Health and Children the progress which has been made by the working group on the development of a no fault compensation system for birth damaged children; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [5786/02]
The advisory group which is examining the feasibility of introducing a no fault compensation scheme for birth damaged infants began its work in July of last year under the chairmanship of Dr. Peter McKenna. To date it has examined the likely causes of cerebral palsy and the incidence of cerebral palsy. It has also had presentations made to it on the existing legal framework within which claims for compensation are processed. It has looked at the existing range of services available to persons suffering from physical and intellectual disabilities. At its next meeting it is to hear a presentation made by parents and family members who care for people with cerebral palsy. Shortly thereafter it is to examine the financial and insurance implications of funding the care costs of those requiring lifetime care.
Following the completion of this phase of its work, the group will move on to look at possible alternative arrangements to those at present available to people who find themselves responsible for the care of brain damaged infants.
