Vol. 538 No. 1
74 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made on the proposals under consideration to help reduce the cost of motor insurance for young drivers; the issues under consideration to streamline the claims process; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [16977/01]
There are a number of such proposals in place including, as a result of a recent Government decision, the establishment of a personal injuries assessment board, PIAB. It is hoped that the work of the PIAB would, in the course of time, substantially reduce the number of personal injury claims being brought to court, thus reducing the legal and other costs involved in the delivery of personal injury compensation. The interdepartmental implementation group set up to progress the establishment of the PIAB has convened a number of meetings and it is expected that the board will be operational next year.
The work of the motor insurance advisory board is aimed at providing me with information and advice on trends in motor insurance costs and with policy recommendations for addressing those costs. The issue of the high cost of insurance for young drivers is especially being examined by the board. The MIAB will undertake an analysis of more complete data being provided to it and its final report is expected by the end of the year. Upon receipt of this report and taking all other initiatives into consideration, I will then decide what further action is appropriate to reduce the cost of motor insurance.
