Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I understand that for next year it is estimated that some €540 million will be paid out in claims right across the board. On the payment of claims, one of the biggest problems in the context of medical negligence is the actuarial figures for what amount of money needs to be invested in order to provide the level of care that the injured party may require into the future. It is not only about care, however, it is also the cost of living and so on. If, for example, a large sum is paid out today and the person passes away in 12 months, two years or three years, that money then has been paid by the State. The question is whether or not we should be looking at a system, such as in other countries, whereby an assessment is made of needs of the person and there would be an annual payment as opposed to a lump sum payment. Should Ireland be looking at that system? We have a huge problem now in relation to the current level of claims pending and the cost that is going to be incurred, and whether or not it would be better to look at it in a more logical way of assisting people on a yearly basis. Has this ever been looked at?