Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all the Senators for their positive remarks about the Bill and the work of the PIAB. I join them in acknowledging the work of PIAB since its inception in 2004. In this regard, I acknowledge the role of Senator McDowell and former Tánaiste Mary Harney, but also, particularly in the year the relevant legislation was passed, former Minister of State Noel Treacy, who was an advocate of the board and its work.

PIAB, as we all agree, reduces unnecessary litigation, making it easier, quicker and cheaper to resolve claims for everyone involved in the process. It is completely impartial and fair in making award assessments. The result is of benefit to the person injured, the person or company the claim is against and society as a whole.

PIAB works – we are all agreed on that – and we want it to do more. This Bill will enable that.

To speak to Senator Crowe's concerns about PIAB resources, I visited the board last Thursday. It is absolutely gearing up for the extra work. Its chairperson and team, who are in Tallaght, are looking forward to taking on the work. They are implementing a new IT system and are very realistic about what work will be involved in planning for it. Our officials continue to engage with them to ensure the new arrangement will work.

I endorse all the comments made today reflecting the issues that still arise regarding the cost and availability of insurance. Considerable work has been done on insurance since the inception of this Government. I have outlined the work done through the insurance action plan and by the Tánaiste and the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming. It is now vital that the benefits of all that work is passed on to customers. Senator McDowell's remarks were interesting in this regard. He alluded to what we need to do and what further changes need to be made in this space. It is unacceptable that voluntary effort, community effort, community engagement and events to bring communities together are impaired or suffering because of insurance issues. The differentiation the Senator made is interesting and definitely worth proceeding with.

On Senator Sherlock's remarks on the assessment and mediation, there will be a separation of functions. Subsection 18(e) lays that out in detail. PIAB will make the rules on how the roles of mediation and assessment will be differentiated and on how independence will be maintained. That will be done in accordance with established principles laid out on mediation, and the provisions for claimants and information will be laid out clearly. That is also being discussed with PIAB as part of its work programme related to the introduction of this Bill.

This is a very significant Bill. I acknowledge everybody who has played a part in producing it. The review process is important. We need to make sure it is working and has the required impact. This is not the end of the chapter, however. Until we see in public and employer liability insurance the kinds of reductions we are beginning to see in motor insurance, we cannot take our foot off the pedal regarding insurance reform. I assure all the Senators that this work will continue throughout the lifetime of the Government.

Gabhaim buíochas le gach duine sa Teach as a ráitis inniu. I thank my officials, particularly Mr. John Maher and Ms Anne Barrett, who are present and have lived with this Bill for some time. They have put enormous work into it. We look forward to Committee Stage and to passing it in this House.