Noel Grealish (Galway West, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

78. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proportion of business insurance injury claims that have been settled through Public Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) to date in 2022; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60177/22]

Dara Calleary (Mayo, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The Action Plan on Insurance Reform sets out 66 actions being delivered across Government, to reform the insurance sector and is one of the most important reform programmes this Government will undertake. The third implementation report of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform, published in November, shows the plan is on track with approximately 90% of actions in the Plan have been completed or are ongoing, with the remaining initiated.

One of the remaining principal actions in the Action Plan concerns the reform of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. I am currently progressing legislation through the Seanad to enhance and reform the Board which will encourage more claimants and respondents to avail of the Board’s model through mediation and/or assessment and should lead to cost savings in the claims environment and contribute to reductions in insurance premiums.

PIAB awards can be accepted or rejected by Claimants and Respondents. When an assessment of damages (award) is made by PIAB, the Claimant has 28 days to either accept or reject the award and the Respondent has 21 days.

PIAB track, on a rolling basis, the monthly acceptance rate of awards. PIAB have informed me that the current acceptance rate for PIAB awards is 47% for Employer Liability claims and 61% for Public Liability claims based on awards made in August 2022.

The new PIRB will enable more claimants and respondents to avail of an enhanced resolution Board thereby reducing the need to go to court. Reducing the expense and time associated with personal injuries litigation will benefit both businesses and consumers.