Vol. 547 No. 3
146 Mr. Callely asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress with regard to PIAB; the timescale for measures to be put in place to encourage insurance companies to reduce insurance premium costs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3685/02]
Following this Government's decision to establish a personal injuries assessment board, PIAB, an interdepartmental implementation group was set up to progress the establishment of the new board. The group has had ten meetings to date.
The group is examining the legal implications, including what legislative changes, if any, will be necessary to establish the PIAB. The work also includes consideration of structures and operational procedures for the board. Reaching final agreement is proving more difficult than previously envisaged. The group is however, nearing completion of its examination and is finalising its report. I will consider the report of the group as a matter of urgency, and will bring proposals to Government thereafter.
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.
