Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

When the Taoiseach says that 98% of claims are not pursued through the courts, there are many different things that can happen. People can be afraid of the might of the State and the consequences for themselves. We know that settlements are routinely made on the steps of the court. We do not know what gagging orders or confidentiality agreements hide some of what we see.

There seems to be a conflict between the approach of the State Claims Agency and that of the HSE. That conflict must be resolved because if it is not, we will continue to see cases going through the courts. The Taoiseach set up a voluntary as opposed to a mandatory arrangement, which is not yet in force. Does he regret not setting it up as a mandatory arrangement? He said that he has set up an office within his Department, rather than the independent office recommended by health experts. Why did he do that? Why was his approach the better of the two approaches? What information did he have that it would produce a better result?

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