Seanad debates

Thursday, 20 November 2003

Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

It is important nonetheless to recognise that this area is full of vested interests. The lawyers have a clear vested interest to maintain an involvement in representing clients. The insurance industry has a clear vested interest to minimise payments to claimants, reduce costs and keep profits at a healthy level. The business lobby has an interest to ensure premia are kept low so that operating costs can be controlled and profits can be maintained. As legislators, we must rise above the vested interests and bring in legislation which addresses the cost of high insurance. It is in the public interest that we try for a system that minimises the costs of delivering compensation to genuine claimants. However, we must do this in a way that is fair to claimants and which does not undermine their rights and entitlements.

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