Vol. 573 No. 2
20 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the promised Personal Injuries Assessment Board will be established on a statutory basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [24472/03]
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 shortly and have it enacted by the end of the year, allowing the Per sonal Injuries Assessment Board to be up and running and hearing cases early in 2004.
The main objective of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board is 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. It will subsequently be extended to public liability cases and claims involving motor accidents.
