Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

There is a classic "Tadhg an dá thaobh" aspect emerging in this debate. Processing costs under the PIAB are on a fixed basis and are 70% cheaper than under the old litigation system. The PIAB promotes the early settlement of claims. It is open six days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. By facilitating contact and the exchange of papers between the parties, it is estimated that 40% of claims are resolved before assessment by the PIAB. To date, the board has made more than 10,000 assessments. It has delivered its assessments on average 75%faster than the law courts. The average timeframe for an assessment to be made is 7.4 months from the date of consent, which is extremely favourable when compared with the 36 months under the old system.

This has freed up the courts. The number of High Court cases has reduced from more than 15,000 in 2004 to approximately 2,500 in 2006.

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