Mr. John Maher:

Under the Act, PIAB has nine months to make the assessment. In exceptional circumstances, that can be extended by six months and with the agreement of parties, it can be extended further. The timeframes are pretty prescriptive. If I understand the Deputy's question correctly, if PIAB makes an award in 2022 and the injury deteriorates further in 2025, the Deputy is asking if it can be reopened. As far as I am aware, it does not work that way. PIAB makes an assessment based on the circumstances of the claim at that specific point in time. It does make the award in special damages, though, which take account of other factors. It may be factored in there. I would not be 100% sure on that operational part of it, to be honest with the Deputy.