Colm Burke (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Being involved in the legal profession, for anyone to produce a draft report like the one in question, I actually believe they have no knowledge of what is going on in the maternity services. It is a disgrace that someone drafted such a report without knowing what is going on in maternity services. I am referring particularly to litigation in the maternity services which is an area that needs to be addressed. It is important we have a debate on this matter. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board was established for personal injuries suffered in car accidents but nothing has been done for negligence claims in medical services. It is time we examined this whole area of lump sums being paid out when we should examine the Canadian model.

Comhairle na nÓg attended the health committee for a discussion on youth services this morning. There are 48 different youth services providing services to 382,000 young people. This has not been debated in this House. It would be appropriate to have a debate to see how we can further develop and enhance these services. Many people work on a voluntary basis in the organisations in question.