Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 277: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of cases notified to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board since establishment to the end of March 2005 by category of claim; the number of cases where the respondents have refused to allow the PIAB assess the claim by category; the number of such cases where the respondents refusal arises at the outset of the PIAB process; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14453/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 278: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of awards made by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board to claimants since its establishment, by category of claim; the average amount of such awards by category of claim; the number that have been accepted and rejected by claimants; the number that have been accepted and rejected by respondents; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14454/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 279: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the average length of time it is taking the Personal Injuries Assessment Board to process claims from the notification of the claim to the final award; if he has satisfied himself with the performance of the PIAB since inception; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14455/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 280: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the amount of money the Personal Injuries Assessment Board has received by way of Exchequer funding or other revenue from claimants by way of charges, and from respondents by way of charges; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14456/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 281: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the percentage of respondents before the Personal Injuries Assessment Board who are represented by an insurance company in their dealings with the PIAB; the percentage of respondents represented by lawyers; the percentage of respondents who deal with the PIAB directly without any third party representation; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14457/05]

Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)
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Question 282: To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of applications where the Personal Injuries Assessment Board has executed its discretion under section 17 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 not to arrange for the making of any assessment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14458/05]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 277 to 282, inclusive, together.

Some of the information regarding issues raised by the Deputy in his questions is available on the PIAB's website at www.piab.ie and is updated regularly. In this regard, the latest figures available on the number of applications to PIAB for assessment of quantum indicate that, at 21 April 2005, 19,099 calls had been received, 898,206 website hits had been recorded and a total of 7,196 applications for assessment had been made. These are broken down as follows: 1,879 employer liability applications; 2,204 public liability applications; and 3,113 motor accident applications.

However, many details requested by the Deputy relate to operational matters for which the chief executive officer of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board holds responsibility. Further information is, however, currently being collated by the PIAB and will be made available to me shortly. I will ask the PIAB to make this information available to the Deputy. I also understand that the PIAB will be releasing this information publicly.

Regarding the funding of the PIAB, the Exchequer has provided funds of €5.5 million for the set up and running costs of the PIAB in the years 2003 and 2004. A further €2.5 million has been provided for in the Department's 2005 Estimates. The PIAB is expected to be self funding by year end 2005.

I am satisfied that the statutory obligations relating to all applications received by the PIAB have been met. My understanding is that data relating to the first 25 assessments will be released to the public shortly. These awards have been made within nine months of the relevant respondents consenting to assessment, as required by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003.

With regard to volumes, the PIAB expects to assess in the region of 10,000 cases per annum when fully operational. The PIAB started handling all personal injury cases in the country from 22 July 2004. As it approaches its first anniversary next July, it will be on target with current applications standing at 7,196. This is all the more significant bearing in mind that the natural flow of claims into the PIAB was slowed by the acceleration of approximately 16,000 cases into the litigation route prior to the PIAB commencing operations. I am very pleased with the operation of the PIAB to date.