Mr. Maurice Priestley:

I must explain the background to the work on the book of quantum before I can answer the question. Independent consultants were commissioned to prepare the book. They collated data from the Courts Service, Insurance Ireland, the State Claims Agency and the board from closed claims in 2013 and 2014. The findings in the book are reflective of what is happening currently in the market. It will not have an inflationary effect on the cost of claims in Ireland, as has been suggested in other arenas. Within the book each injury has a number of levels of severity and each level of severity has a band of values attached to it. It is difficult to make a general observation given the level of detail in it. An overall general observation is that there has been some upward movement at the lower end of the scale and a reduction at the higher level. Without having the book available and going through each injury, it is difficult to comment otherwise. We are happy to return to the committee when the book is issued to go through it, if that is required.