Vol. 571 No. 1
275 Mr. B. Smith asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the proposals she has to reduce substantially the medical and legal costs associated with insurance claims and settlements; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [21027/03]
On 27 May 2003 the Government approved the priority drafting and publication of the general scheme of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill. It is intended to introduce the published Bill into the Houses of the Oireachtas in the autumn and enact it by year end, allowing the Personal Injuries Assessment Board to be up and running and hearing cases early in 2004. It is generally accepted that the medical and legal costs associated with the settlement of insurance claims are disproportionately high in Ireland. The main objective of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board will be to reduce the cost of delivery of compensation. It is not designed to reduce the level of awards. It will initially deal with employer liability cases where liability issues do not arise and subsequently extend its remit to cover public liability cases and claims involving motor accidents.
Question No. 276 answered with Question No. 238.
Question No. 277 answered with Question No. 229.
