Solution nears over health insurance cover

THERE were hopes last night of a breakthrough in the dispute between consultants and the Department of Health over insurance cover.

The Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA) yesterday sent a letter to Minister for Health Mary Harney asking her for a written statement confirming that consultants will be covered against claims of past negligence.

IHCA secretary general Finbarr Fitzpatrick said the department’s response to the request could be the “key to sorting out the clinical indemnity problems”.