Denis Naughten (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fine Gael)

That is factual and has yet to be acknowledged by this State which is still living in the dark ages regarding this point.

I welcome the provision in the Bill concerning private clinics and private hospitals. I remember the case of the Barringtons Hospital misdiagnosis. Many women from the west were involved in that incident. I was amazed that HIQA and the State agencies could not get involved or carry out an investigation into it because the hospital was private. Complaints cannot be made through the organs of the State to have such issues investigated in private clinics. I hope this will form part of the Bill and that we will have legislation that will put protections in place for patients and bring about a complete culture change in this country regarding the admission of liability. I hope people will at least stand up and be honest with patients once and for all.

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