I propose to take Questions Nos. 213 and 246 together.
The State Claims Agency (SCA) has a statutory remit to manage personal injury claims on behalf of Delegated State Authorities including the Health Service Executive.
The State Claims Agency also hosts the National Incident Management System (NIMS) which is the principal source of national data on incident activity for the Irish public health service. Under the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act 2000 State authorities are obliged to report adverse incidents promptly to the State Claims Agency (SCA). This allows the SCA, in conjunction with State authorities, to identify and analyse developing trends and patterns and to work with the State authorities concerned to develop and implement risk mitigation strategies. It is also important in the investigation of any subsequent claim.
I have been informed by the SCA that a follow-up five year report on an Clinical Incidents and Claims in Maternity and Gynaecology Services is not planned. The SCA continues to analyse incidents and claims on an on-going basis.