Dáil debates

Thursday, 4 February 2021

Ceisteanna ó Cheannairí - Leaders' Questions

 

12:10 pm

Photo of Leo VaradkarLeo Varadkar (Dublin West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy. As he knows, the Oireachtas some time ago decided that the management of medical negligence cases should be delegated to the State Claims Agency. That is the law. I think it might even have been brought in by Deputy Brendan Howlin as Minister, giving that power to the State Claims Agency to manage medical negligence cases on behalf of the State, so these are not dealt with by politicians or Ministers, and Ministers have no input into how these cases are managed.

I am not sure if the Government even has the authority to make a direction to the State Claims Agency. We have asked it, we have advised it and we have told it - I have done it in meetings with the head of the State Claims Agency - that where negligence is not disputed, these cases should be settled quickly, sensitively and in a kind and decent manner. We will restate that message to it and I can give the Deputy that assurance. I know the Taoiseach feels the same about it.

In regard to women getting their smear tests, I think we all agree. Today is world cancer day. We know that cervical screening works and we know it has reduced mortality - the number of women who die from that disease - by nearly 7% year-on-year. It is a very successful programme, notwithstanding the problems that have been encountered. I will certainly take up the issue as to whether we can do that on the website and give women information about which GPs will provide the service.

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