Vol. 572 No. 3
365 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children the steps and measures he has taken to ensure that injured parties receive compensation and that medical professionals are insured in the event of legal proceedings arising from medical negligence; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23103/03]
Medical or dental practitioners working for, or on behalf of, agencies funded by the Exchequer are required to provide themselves with professional indemnity cover. This is usually secured by becoming a member of one of the two mutual defence bodies which operate in Ireland. The bulk of the cost of this cover is reimbursed to doctors by their employers. The obligation to compensate a person who sustains personal injuries arising from negligent treatment delivered by a doctor lies with the defence body of which the doctor was a member. I have made it clear to one of the defence bodies which has indicated to its Irish members that it may not meet the cost of these claims that the Government regards this position as unacceptable. I have further informed it that the Government will take whatever action is required to ensure that it fulfils its obligation to its Irish members.
366 Mr. Perry asked the Minister for Health and Children if he has held meetings with representatives of the Medical Defence Union or the Medical Protection Society since the announcement in August 2003 by the Medical Defence Union that it may be declining to exercise its discretion to assist in specific cases; the nature of those discussions; the details of arrangements concluded; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23104/03]
I have not had any meetings with representatives of the Medical Defence Union or the Medical Protection Society in August or since then.
