Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 7 May 2003

Vol. 566 No. 1

Written Answers. - Compensations Claims.

Ruairí Quinn

Question:

121 Mr. Quinn 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; when he expects to the group to report; if he will seek to expedite the introduction of proposals in this area, having regard to the recent awards in the High Court and the increasing difficulties facing practitioners and especially obstetricians in finding insurance cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12023/03]

Minister for Health and Children (Mr. Martin)

The advisory group examining the feasibility of introducing a no-fault compensation scheme for brain damaged infants has met regularly since its establishment in July 2001. The group has conducted an extensive investigation of the clinical and legal issues involved in the handling of those cases. I hope that the group will be in a position to present its final report in 2003.

Recent settlements made on behalf of infants with cerebral palsy emphasise the need to complete the examination of the issue being undertaken by the advisory group. However, as the group has already indicated its intention of completing its work by the end of this year I feel that it would not be appropriate to ask them to expedite the process.