Seanad debates

Monday, 24 November 2003

Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill 2003: Committee Stage.

 

The purpose of this Bill is not to reduce awards but to pay what someone is entitled to, or might normally expect to get through the courts process, in a different way. One of the difficulties that arose in the past – I speak from my political experience as opposed to my ministerial experience – was the huge inconsistency in court awards. I understand there is greater clarity and consistency now than there might have been in the past. I have heard various accounts of judge A awarding Y amount and judge B awarding Y plus 10% or 50%. Of course, every case is different but if there are discrepancies based on the personality of the presiding judge rather than on the merits of the case it can cause difficulty and confusion from time to time.

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