Letters to the Editor: Pre-action protocols will cut medical claims costs

The delays stem from the lack of mechanisms, such as pre-action protocols, which allow for early resolution. Pre-action protocols are a set of guidelines, laid out through legislation, which explain the conduct and steps a court expects parties to take before claims can commence. Picture: Andy Dean Photography

Regarding Niamh Griffin’s article — ‘Our adversarial system pits medics and their patients against each other’ (Irish Examiner, March 19) — this rightly highlights the distressing and lengthy process to resolve clinical negligence claims for all involved.

A recent Medical Protection Society (MPS) report shows that the slow litigation processes in Ireland are affecting patients’ and doctors’ mental wellbeing and racking up legal costs that are among the highest in the world.