Patients group seeks mediator in health insurance talks

The Irish Patients Association has called for the appointment of a third party to mediate in talks between the Irish Government and British insurance firm Medical Defence Union.

The two sides are in dispute over liability for compensation claims relating to past actions by Irish doctors.

The doctors have paid premiums to the MDU, but reports this morning said it was refusing to cover up to 10 of them who are currently facing compensation claims.

Health Minister Micheál Martin has accused the company of abandoning its responsibilities and has called on it to reverse the decision.