Departmental Data

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 February 2022

Tuesday, 8 February 2022

Questions (686, 766)

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

686. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of cases of which the Health Service Executive, State Claims Agency or any other relevant State body is aware, relating to adverse events in connection with the operation of the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018, in which a claim has been made to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and-or court proceedings that have been issued and-or served, and notice in writing that has been given, that a claim is likely to be made to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and-or that court proceedings are likely to be issued; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6177/22]

Peadar Tóibín

Question:

766. Deputy Peadar Tóibín asked the Minister for Health the number of adverse events reported to and dealt with by the State Claims Agency since 1 January 2019 that are related to the Health (Regulation of Termination of Pregnancy) Act 2018. [6579/22]

Written answers

Minister for Health

I propose to take Questions Nos. 686 and 766 together.

The State Claims Agency 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.

The delivery of high quality, safe services is a priority within the Irish healthcare system. This is in line with the Sláintecare vision of Right Care. Right Place. Right Time.

An integral part of this is the appropriate and timely reporting of adverse events when they do occur. This information is important for healthcare services to learn so that care and experiences for patients and their families can continuously improve.

The HSE has systems and procedures in place to respond when an adverse incident occurs. This approach to incident management is cognisant of the needs of those affected and supports services to learn and improve.