Irish Examiner view: An adversarial litigation system that needs reform 

The adversarial system which operates in Ireland means such cases are frequently stressful, costly, frightening, and intimidating for all parties — not to mention the fact that the lengthy timescales involved compound the various pressures on participants. Picture: Larry Cummins

Cases of alleged medical negligence feature regularly in media coverage, and little wonder. Such cases are often shocking in their details, with heartbreaking revelations that make readers sympathetic for the distressed families involved.

For those involved directly, the cases can take a serious toll. The adversarial system which operates in Ireland means such cases are frequently stressful, costly, frightening, and intimidating for all parties — not to mention the fact that the lengthy timescales involved compound the various pressures on participants.