Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I assure the Deputy that the HSE, the Department, the State Claims Agency and, I believe, the Department of Finance are represented on the group chaired by Dr. Mahony. I have the terms of reference with me. The group will assess why the costs of claims are continuing to rise, develop a plan to implement risk management, recommend measures to address patient concerns, and receive updates on the implementation of recommendations that were set out in previous reviews of the law of tort. Fundamentally, the group needs to consider suggestions for what practical measures we can take to help reduce costs. I am pleased that there is a wide variety of expertise from government and outside of government in the group and my understanding is that it is due to report shortly. The Government can reflect on the Deputy’s suggestion at that stage in terms of what we need to do to consider and implement those recommendations. We are looking forward to the report and are grateful to Dr. Mahony for agreeing to chair the group and bring her significant healthcare experience to it and to the many other people sitting on it.

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