Vol. 541 No. 5
171 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she will clarify the role of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board regarding personal injury compensation; the way in which the working of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board will change the existing procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22591/01]
Following this Government's decision to establish a Personal Injuries Assessment Board, and in accordance with that decision, an interdepartmental implementation group was set up to progress the establishment of the new board. The group has had a number of meetings.
This group is examining the operational issues surrounding the establishment of an assessment board and the legal implications, including what legislative changes, if any, will be necessary to establish the PIAB. The work includes consideration of how the board should actually work in practice and the procedures it should adopt. The group expects to report by the end of this year.
I am confident that the establishment of the PIAB will achieve a reduction in the delivery costs of personal injury compensation for work related injuries, in its initial term of operation, and later in motor injury cases by reducing the delivery costs of compensation. There is no intention to reduce the amount paid to claimants. The level of awards made by the board will conform to the awards made by the courts.
