Willie Penrose (Westmeath, Labour)
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Question 57: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the position with regard to the operation of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; the number of staff recruited to date; the number of claims received to date by the board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18072/04]

Mary Harney (Dublin Mid West, Progressive Democrats)
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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 the Personal Injuries Assessment Board before legal proceedings are issued.

The structure and staffing levels of the PIAB have been agreed. The PIAB, when fully operational, will have a staffing complement of up to 85, in addition to the CEO. The PIAB is also utilising an outsourced service centre to assist injured parties in the completion of their claim submissions and ensure that a comprehensive, fair and independent service is provided.

The actual recruitment of staff is an operational matter for which the CEO of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board has responsibility. However, I understand that a significant recruitment campaign is underway and that several key management and assessor positions have been filled.

While matters relating to the claims received by PIAB are also an operational matter for which the CEO has responsibility, I understand that 70,000 website inquires have been received, 600 approaches for claims registrations have been made and 45 claims have been received.

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