Martin in talks with consultants over claims' cover

NEGOTIATIONS between hospital consultants and the Minister for Health Micheál Martin on the abolition of lawsuit cover will continue later today.

The Government wants the consultants to sign up to a central agency to deal with all claims against the State.

The vast majority of the exorbitant cost of insurance cover for public hospital consultants is paid by the Government. Minister for Health Micheál Martin met with hospital consultants and family doctors last night, but made no comment about talks progress.