Clinical Indemnity Scheme.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 April 2004

Wednesday, 7 April 2004

Ceisteanna (78)

Emmet Stagg

Ceist:

71 Mr. Stagg 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 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. [10796/04]

Freagraí scríofa

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. It has also examined existing levels of service provision for those affected by cerebral damage. The group has had a presentation made to it by parents of children affected by cerebral damage on the day-to-day implications of providing care for them at home. It has also examined prevention strategies and the effects of reforms introduced in the United Kingdom on the handling of claims for compensation for injuries resulting from the provision of clinical care. I hope that the group will be in a position to present its final report by mid-2004. As the group has already indicated its intention of completing its work by the middle of this year, I feel that it would not be appropriate to ask it to expedite the process.