Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)

As the Deputy is aware, the Bill establishing the board was passed towards the end of last year. It was signed into law on 28 December by the President. I signed the ministerial order on 13 April, which was just under four months from the start of the year. We wish we could have done that sooner, but the board had to have the necessary expertise and personnel in place before it could open for business to deal with personal injury claims arising in the workplace, which began on 1 June.

According to the CSO, motor insurance premia are down 14% year on year and it is estimated that level could be reduced by that percentage again or perhaps more. I have anecdotal evidence from people I know of insurance premia having decreased by 30% or 40% but the average is 14%.

On the employer's liability side, the reduction in premia is moving towards 15% to 20%, with some companies experiencing higher reductions. A number of companies have applied for licences to do business here, and I understand there will be some significant announcement in that regard during July. If we can attract one new company to enter each market, that will have a dramatic effect on reducing the cost of insurance.

I acknowledge the support of Members on all sides of the House, including Deputies Hogan, Howlin and others, for the Government's reform programme, a key part of which is the courts and civil liability Bill which the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform has promised me he will have ready before the summer recess.

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