Seanad debates

Thursday, 20 November 2003

Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill 2003: Second Stage.

 

It is time we, as legislators, took the work of the interim board to the next stage of its development by enacting this legislation to establish the PIAB on a statutory basis. The reductions in premiums are of paramount importance and the costs of the PIAB must be carefully monitored in the coming years, particularly in the initial stages. I am delighted the concerns of business people and their representatives, such as Mr. Gerry McCaughey and Mr. Pat McDonagh, are now contained in the 82 sections of the Bill. We owe a debt of gratitude to the business community, which campaigned so vigorously for this reform. Often we may have thought the campaign too vigorous, but it was born out of years of frustration. I hope the campaign will now fully endorse the Government's action in bringing this Bill before the Houses of the Oireachtas for enactment before Christmas. I ask the Opposition to assist us in passing the Bill for the benefit of all citizens. I thank the Tánaiste for coming to the House and I commend the Bill.

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