Dáil Éireann debate -
Thursday, 28 Feb 2002

Vol. 550 No. 1

Written Answers. - Health Insurance.

Bernard Allen

Question:

115 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health and Children if he will make a statement on recent comments in a publication (details supplied) that one of the main medical insurance bodies will be in serious financial trouble unless the State agrees to take on some of its existing liabilities after the introduction of the planned reforms of the insurance sector for consultants which could lead to one of the insurance companies failing to indemnify its subscribers over a past claim. [7355/02]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin):

All of the insurance companies providing public liability cover for hospitals and the mutual defence bodies providing indemnity cover for doctors have been indicating for some time that they are experiencing difficulties in providing cover for medical malpractice. The defence bodies face particular problems given the nature of the unlimited discretionary indemnity which they provide to their members and the basis on which this cover is provided. This is particularly so in the case of obstetric claims where the level of awards is especially high and where the claims do not emerge until several years after the event which gave rise to them. The defence bodies have made me aware of their concerns about these matters and of the possible effect of the introduction of enterprise liability on their Irish operations. I hope to continue my discussions with them so as to ensure a smooth transition from the existing arrangements to the new ones.