Niall Collins (Limerick County, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister. I would have thought it was fairly obvious from my question on the book of quantum that it was linked to the very obvious issue of motor insurance premiums and the scandal of the rip off at the moment. I appreciate that PIAB is independent and I have met with it but as the Minister pointed out it has not updated the book since 2004. There are several problems with car insurance. Many claims are settled outside PIAB and the courts and the insurance company pay-outs are invisible. Implicit in the information we do have on the claims pay-outs are the injuries and the levels of awards that are visible. Unfortunately, the book of quantum seems to be very out of date.

What will the Minister do to address the spiralling insurance costs? Has she considered the model operating in the United Kingdom, care and not cash? This applies to minor injuries. The book of quantum will come up with a guide. It will not be definitive or be a blueprint but it will help I hope to force down premiums. Under the care not cash model, care such as rehabilitation and physiotherapy are awarded rather than a cash payment. Has the Minister, the Department or the Government considered that in reviewing the book of quantum and the spiralling costs?

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