Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

I am replying to this matter on behalf of my colleague, the Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Martin. I will have to trespass on your patience, a Chathaoirligh, as this is a somewhat complex and technical matter. One of the great difficulties which arises when litigation is resorted to is how to assist those who have a very great need. Some people are able to obtain substantial, generous compensation which goes a long way towards assisting them with their needs, while others receive nothing at all due to the vagaries of liability in a very indeterminate area.