Doctors' organisations have described the stance taken by the Medical Defence Union (MDU) in the controversy over who meets the liabilities of consultant obstetricians as unacceptable.
The stand-off between the Department of Health and the MDU means that women taking legal action for alleged malpractice prior to March 2001 will be unable to obtain damages.
Mr Finbarr Fitzpatrick, secretary general of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association (IHCA), told The Irish Times that the MDU could not be allowed to walk away from its responsibilities.
"It is IHCA policy that neither patients or doctors be left without insurance cover in cases of alleged malpractice.
"For the last 20 years, the MDU received in excess of €100 million from consultants here, and they cannot expect to walk away from their responsibilities."
Mr Fintan Hourihan, director of industrial relations with the Irish Medical Organisation, said that consultants had paid premiums to the MDU on the clear understanding that they would be covered for claims on an ongoing basis.
The Medical Defence Union has accused the Department of Health of causing the maximum disruption to patients following its decision to take court action if it is necessary to ensure the organisation continues to provide cover to its members in the Republic.