Sarah O'Reilly (Aontú) | Oireachtas source

I raise today the proposal being considered by the Minister for Justice to increase personal injury awards by almost 17%. We are in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis. Inflation impacts families, businesses and communities across the country and now the Government thinks it is the right time to raise personal injury awards, a move that will inevitably lead to higher insurance premiums and, no doubt, higher claims. We already know from the Central Bank's own data that motor insurance premiums rose by 9% in the first half of 2024 alone, and that is before any changes to injury awards.

In regions like Cavan and Monaghan, we are already paying through the nose for insurance while driving on some of the worst roads in the country which are little more than a patchwork of potholes. A previous analysis found that payouts for personal injuries in Ireland are on average 4.4 times higher than in England. If you experience a minor ankle fracture in Ireland, you could expect to receive up to €54,000, while in England, the same injury warrants up to €14,000. The payout for personal injuries in this country is high enough without raising it further. The impact of higher awards will be felt most by ordinary motorists and small businesses. It will also directly impact community, voluntary and sporting groups, many of which are already struggling to keep the doors open. The Government cannot allow this to go ahead without full and considered debate. I ask the Minister for Justice to come to the House for a debate on the matter.