Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 16 October 2024

Select Committee on Health

Estimates for Public Services 2024
Vote 38 - Health (Supplementary)

9:30 am

Photo of Bernard DurkanBernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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There should be an alteration in the description. The Minister has explained that. It should be done in order prevent people being misled and to enable those who may expect the moneys to be sent in their direction to know that this is or is not a possibility. They have to plan as well.

In relation to the State Claims Agency and negligence claims, the total allocation of €485 million can be attributed to an increase in the number of claims and the value of settlements awarded, particularly in the context of claims arising from catastrophic birth injuries. What steps are being taken to limit the extent to which incidents or accidents can occur? Such incidents and accidents seem to occur repeatedly and the same issues seem to arise. What steps have been or are likely to be taken to minimise the risks both from the point of view of the patients - the children and their mothers - and when it comes to liability in respect of the cost of health services?