David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Burke for tabling this Bill and for his research work in this area. I join with other Senators who have acknowledged the considerable contribution of Senator Burke, not just on this Bill but on many issues relating to health care. I regard him as one of the outstanding Senators and I have said so publicly and privately on a number of occasions. It is incumbent on us when we see people putting in effort and taking the time to deal with these important matters to recognise that effort.

Senator Norris also referred to the fact that the Minister in a previous incarnation as the Opposition spokesperson on health, tabled a very similar Bill. It would have been better if the Minister had worked more closely with Senator Burke to ensure that the Bill was progressed through this House and the other House more speedily. However, I hope the Minister will at least allow the Bill to go through to Committee Stage and that any issues which need to be teased out can be dealt with. While the Bill may contain some flaws its logic is quite straightforward. The reason many people - including the Minister - have raised all sorts of other issues outside the parameters of the Bill, is because the Bill is very straightforward. The Bill proposes that all medical professionals be statutorily compelled to hold professional indemnity cover, in the same way as solicitors and many other professionals. This is the simple logic or intent of the Bill. I hope the Minister will allow the Bill to progress. I would be the first to concede that we cannot be experts on every issue and I admit I was not aware that doctors and medical professionals did not have to have insurance cover. I was quite surprised as would be many members of the public.

I was not in the Chamber to hear Senator Burke's opening remarks but the vast majority of medical professionals in this State have insurance cover. We are dealing in this case with very small numbers of people who are taking a chance. In an area as important as the provision of health care the people who provide the care should have the appropriate insurance. The Minister referred to some professionals with some level of insurance for some medical care but who were practising something different. He gave the example of cosmetic surgery. Medical professionals should have insurance and also the appropriate insurance for the medical care or treatment they are providing.

All the arguments have been made by other speakers. I commend Senator Burke on tabling the Bill. I appeal to the Minister to ensure that it progresses through the House and the Lower House as quickly as possible. As Senator Norris said, this is a good day for the Seanad when such a Bill is brought forward as opposed to motions which can often be the case. This is an important piece of legislation being tabled in this House which is the prerogative of the House. The Minister made the point that there are many important issues which must be dealt with by the Government. This explains the significant legislative list. However, the issues raised in this Bill are also important. The Government can use this House to bring forward Bills to help in the overall delivery of important legislation.

For that reason also, I commend Senator Colm Burke. My party will be fully supporting the Bill.