A new group is to consider how the health service can deal with the rising cost of claims against it. 

Health Minister Stephen Donnelly will tell Cabinet colleagues that health-related claims cost €461 million in 2021 and the figure is expected to be 20% again in 2022.

By contrast, in 2010 it was €75.3 million. 

The main driver is payments for damages in clinical claims with the new group set to focus particularly on high value cases; the interdepartmental group will be chaired by former master of the National Maternity Hospital Dr Rhona Mahony.

Minister Donnelly will tell colleagues that there is work underway to reduce the costs of health claims - including a focus on minimising incidents of avoidable harm done through patient safety and reducing risk. 

The group is expected to be established shortly and produce its report within nine months.

Main image: Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly. Photograph: Leah Farrell / RollingNews.ie