Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

This is an eminently sensible measure which will bring a certain element of consistency to awards of damages in an area where there is a significant degree of inconsistency depending on which judge is hearing the case, which should not be so. While we are establishing this the Personal Injuries Assessment Board must have regard to this Book of Quantum which will be the Bible for it in adjudicating on cases. It would be inconsistent to have the courts adjudicating on a different framework. While allowing for judicial discretion is good, if the Book of Quantum did not exist solicitors and others may encourage people to go to court. This will introduce some form of predictability in situations which in turn will make the PIAB system work better and prevent people seeing this as a cash cow and going to court on such issues. The House should fully endorse this.