Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the fact that the Government established the interdepartmental working group. However, it does not go far enough. The Minister referred to the mediation process and there are many instances where an independent early mediation between the patient and medical professional can resolve a situation in a cost-effective manner. There is merit in having a cap on compensation amounts for certain specified cases, which would lead to prompt settlement at such mediation. Such systems work effectively in other jurisdictions. There are advantages to eliminating costly court hearings that take forever to resolve. The Government needs to be conscious that the HSE has a tendency to run costly legal battles and ultimately settle at the last moment on the steps of the court. This seems to be the norm with it. Why can it not settle without the legal costs? We understand that medical litigation is a complex matter but our system in Ireland has created a minefield and a money pit. It is time to scrutinise and revise that system because it is costing taxpayers and the Exchequer a fortune every year.

See this speech in context