Seanad debates

Wednesday, 23 October 2002

Adjournment Matters. - Medical Indemnity Claims.

 

I am very disappointed the Minister has not addressed a problem associated with obstetrics, namely, the recurrence of cerebral palsy. I am glad the Minister of State at the Department of Health and Children, Deputy Brian Lenihan, is here because the area of children is his responsibility. Difficulties are raised by the fact that a small number of people here can show that obstetric liability is the cause of cerebral palsy in their cases and thereby receive funds to try to improve the life of their children, whereas many families are unable to do so and are, therefore, not in a position to receive financial help. We should promote the idea that the State should provide sufficient assistance to these people. It does not have to be a massive amount, merely sufficient to meet their ongoing needs. While some people receive huge claims, such as in the case to which I referred earlier, others receive nothing.

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