The primary purpose of the legislation is to establish the Personal Injuries Assessment Board as a statutory body. The board will be charged with the making of assessments, without the need for legal proceedings to be brought, of compensation for personal injuries. The role of the PIAB will be confined to claims where legal issues are not disputed by the respondent. The board will commence operations early in 2004 with employers' liability claims before encompassing public liability and motor accidents in mid-2004.