Written answers

Thursday, 3 June 2021

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment

Personal Injuries Assessment Board

Photo of Aindrias MoynihanAindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail)
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189. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if changes are planned in relation to the operation of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. [30062/21]

Photo of Robert TroyRobert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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The Programme for Government contains a commitment to enhance and reform the role of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). This commitment is being given effect under Action 19 of the Government’s Action Plan for Insurance Reform.

PIAB offers the most cost-effective and efficient settlement channel for personal injury claims. However, the number of cases being finalised through PIAB has fallen in recent years.

As Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation, I have met regularly with PIAB and a range of representative bodies to assess the role of PIAB and develop proposals for the reform of the agency. I have undertaken a public consultation seeking views on the matter from all interested parties. There has been very good engagement with the consultation and we are now concluding the examination of the responses with a view to introducing legislation to enhance and reform PIAB. The overarching objective of the proposed reforms is to bring more cases within PIAB’s ambit and reduce the number of cases that PIAB release to litigation.

We have already seen significant changes in the operations of PIAB during this year which are intended to enhance its role. Following adoption by the Judicial Council, new Personal Injuries Guidelines came into effect in Ireland on the 24th April and these Guidelines apply to all cases assessed by PIAB from that date.

In addition, the Minister for Justice and I, published the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Bill 2021 in April 2021. This Bill will bring Garda compensation claims within the PIAB process. This will benefit both claimants, in terms of quicker resolution of claims with an objective assessment of quantum, and the State as the respondent, in terms of lower legal and administrative costs.

I am confident that through the reform and enhancement of PIAB we will help to reduce the cost of personal injury claims and increase the affordability and availability of insurance.

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