Vol. 544 No. 3
106 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date by the interdepartmental implementation group on the establishment of a personal injuries assessment board; when she expects the group to report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28651/01]
Following the 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, which has had a number of meetings, is currently 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 new board should actually work in practise and the procedures that it should adopt. The group expects to report at 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.
