Mr. Stephen Mulvany:

It is very significant. To clarify, a substantial part of the figure for overall clinical claims relates to catastrophic cases in the maternity area. We are taking steps to improve that but the evidence suggests that the greatest issues there relate to the operation of the Courts Service rather than to the incidence of claims. The Irish maternity service is as safe as any other in the world and safer than some. The issue is the cost of claims under the legal system and the legal process rather than the piece that is within the control of the HSE or the health sector.