Seanad debates

Wednesday, 25 June 2003

Council Regulation on Procedures for amending the Sirene Manual: Referral to Joint Committee. - Health Service Reform: Statements (Resumed).

 

It is important to remember that the medical profession's responsibility is to the patient, first and foremost. One cannot get away from that. It is ethically at the centre of what a doctor has to do. If doctors are being asked constantly to look at the accountancy side of things, naturally they get anxious. In neither report is the question of litigation addressed and it costs the health service in Ireland a fortune. There is four times more litigation in this country than in Britain. The awards given in the courts are four times higher than on the neighbouring island. I would like this to be addressed. I realise the Minister hopes to introduce enterprise liability on 1 July.

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