Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 May 2023
725. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the progress to date of the working group chaired by a person (details supplied) to consider the cost of medical claims; if he will provide in tabular form the details of the dates on which the group has met and a timeline for the group's work plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26041/23]
View answer726. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if he will provide in tabular form the details of the membership of the working group chaired by a person (details supplied) to consider the cost of medical claims, including details of the organisation each member represents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26042/23]
View answer727. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if any representative of the victims of medical negligence or any individual who has taken a case against the medical profession or the HSE has been appointed to the membership of the working group chaired by a person (details supplied) to consider the cost of medical claims; if not, why; if the absence of such a voice on the group does not fatally undermine the group and its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26043/23]
View answer728. Deputy Seán Canney asked the Minister for Health if any representative of the legal profession, any legal professional who has represented the victims of medical negligence or any legal professional who has acted for an individual who has taken a case against the medical profession or the HSE has been appointed to the membership of the working group chaired by a person (details supplied) to consider the cost of medical claims; if not, why; if the absences of such a voice on the group does not fatally undermine the group and its work; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [26044/23]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 725 to 728, inclusive, together.
For context, Government at its meeting on the 31st January 2023, approved the establishment of an Interdepartmental Working Group to examine the rising cost of health-related claims and consider mechanisms to reduce costs and approved the Terms of Reference and membership of the Group.
The Group is chaired independently by an expert healthcare professional, Dr Rhona Mahony and is comprised of membership from across key Government Departments and Agencies (Departments of Health, Justice, An Taoiseach, Finance, Public Expenditure NDP Delivery and Reform, Office of the Attorney General, the State Claims Agency and the Health Service Executive).
In fulfilling its terms of reference as approved by Government, the Group may consult with a range of relevant parties. It is considered that securing the views of patients, the legal profession and others will be of enormous value to the deliberations of the Group. On that basis, it is intended that these consultations will take place in an appropriate manner.
The Group held its first meeting on 14th March 2023 and has met five times since on the following dates: 28th March, 11th April, 25th April, 9th May and 23rd May.
It is expected that the Group will produce a final report within 9 months of its first meeting. In the meantime, the Group is engaged in a schedule of work and consultations with relevant parties.
