Kathleen Lynch (Cork North Central, Labour)

The Leas-Cheann Comhairle, Deputy Hogan and I sat on the Opposition benches when the principal Act was taken through Committee Stage. Civil servants write speeches for Ministers, but the least Ministers can do is ensure accuracy. Insurance companies did not reduce their costs as a result of the PIAB's establishment. Those costs had already fallen as a result of the intensive scrutiny of the industry by the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business. An issue on its agenda at the time was the establishment of the PIAB.

I have no vested interest in this matter other than being a Deputy who represents people, the majority of whom would not be able to represent themselves in court or before the PIAB and who would be nervous about filling out the type of form required. Throughout Committee Stage, we received assurances that one would always have the safety net of being able to go to court.

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