Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Mullen raised a particular issue. It is important to note that the level of litigation in medical negligence is highest in the area of obstetrics and gynaecology. Obstetricians are always remarkably careful in how they manage their patients and that will continue. The level of litigation is high in this area not because people intentionally go out to cause a problem but because of the difficulties in the job that they must deliver on and the work they must do. Unfortunately, there is a high degree of litigation as a result. It is something that they must live with.

Reference was made to the area of obstetrics and gynaecology. I understand that the life expectancy of a consultant obstetrician is 63 years because of the stress levels associated with the job.

If I understood Senator Mullen correctly, he said that medical negligence really only took off after 1989. However, medical negligence claims were around long before 1989. While the rules may have changed somewhat in 1989, it was not the case that there was no medical negligence pre-1989. Perhaps I picked up the comments of Senator Mullen wrongly in that regard.

In fairness to every consultant and doctor in the country, they intend and will continue to protect the life of the mother and the life of the unborn. I emphasise that this legislation will change nothing in the way they will manage their patients from here on in. Their priority is to do the best for both and that is what will continue to happen.