Written question asked by Iris Robinson (Democratic Unionist Party) on Wednesday, 2 March 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 March 2005. It was answered by Baroness Smith of Basildon (Labour) on Monday, 14 March 2005 on behalf of the Northern Ireland Office.

Northern Ireland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, if he will estimate the cost to the Northern Ireland economy of medical negligence in each of the last five years.

Answer: Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will estimate the cost to the Northern Ireland economy of medical negligence in each of the last five years. [220619] Angela Smith: Information in relation to the last five years is detailed in the following table: Amounts paid in settlement of clinical negligence claims _________________________________________________________________________________________________. £000 1999-2000 4,859 2000-01 9,409 2001-02 7,415 2002-03 13,550 2003-04 15,194 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. The amount paid in any one year in respect of clinical negligence can vary considerably due to the uncertain timing of the settlement of cases. The Department remains committed to taking appropriate action to address and reduce the incidence of medical negligence, and the subsequent number and amount of claims.

Secondary information