David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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Question 42: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in the establishment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, particularly in view of the fact that the board was due to start hearing cases in January 2004; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13770/04]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 92: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the additional costs that businesses here have incurred as a consequence of her delay in commencing the operations of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [14059/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 42 and 92 together.

Following enactment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board legislation in December 2003, a significant amount of work has been carried out to put in place systems and resources to facilitate the operation of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. A number of these tasks could not be carried out until the legislation was passed.

I am delighted to inform the Deputies that the Personal Injuries Assessment Board was established by ministerial order on 13 April 2004. From 1 June 2004 all personal injury claims arising from workplace accidents, where an employee is seeking compensation from his or her employer, must be referred to Personal Injuries Assessment Board before legal proceedings are issued.

The establishment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board is a significant milestone in the Government's insurance reform programme which will lead to reduced insurance premia to the benefit of both consumers and business alike. By eliminating the need for litigation costs where legal issues are not in dispute, the Personal Injuries Assessment Board will significantly reduce the cost of delivering compensation. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board will also offer speedier assessments to the benefit of genuine claimants.