The Departments of Justice and Health are working on new legislation which would involve hospitals and medical professionals informing patients or their families of incidents which are responsible for the death of a patient.
Minister Alan Shatter said the manner in which the Midland Regional Hospital in Portlaoise treated families whose babies had died was inexcusable.
He has told the Family Lawyers Association of Ireland that work is underway on "open disclosure" legislation, which would mean hospitals and medical staff would have to inform patients or families of any failures of care, or incidents which have caused harm or the death of a patient.