Róisín Shortall (Dublin North West, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

Other members have spoken earlier about serious problems with this and with the whole question of an apology and the delay which the Chairman raised. Families are put through the ringer. Given the level of legal fees that are paid out I know there are several legal companies around the country that would not survive if it was not for medical negligence claims. It is a crazy basis on which legal practices can survive. It is ultimately the taxpayer that is picking up the tab. Reference has been made to mediation. Has there been any kind of serious attempt to look at an alternative resolution system like, for example, what we were supposed to have in the case of insurance with the PIAB? Is there any consideration being given to some kind of alternative resolution system that would cut out a big element of the outrageous legal fees that are paid at the moment?