Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 30 November 2004
323 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the person or company who compiled the book of quantum for use by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31324/04]
View answer324 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the basis on which the book of quantum for use by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board was compiled; the details of the specifications or guidance given by his Department; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31325/04]
View answer325 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the details of the moneys paid to the person or company who compiled the book of quantum for use by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31326/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 323 to 325, inclusive, together.
The book of quantum is an integral part of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board process, providing a guide to the amounts of compensation that may be payable for particular types of injuries. It was compiled on the basis of data sourced from the Courts Service, the Irish Insurance Federation and the State Claims Agency and reflects the actual levels of awards in this country.
Following an open tendering competition process, which included the contract being advertised in the Official Journal of the European Communities, a UK based company called Insurance Services Office Limited was contracted to compile the book of quantum. ISO was paid €115,000 for producing it. The request for tender documentation included details of specific requirements with regard to its compilation.
Personal Injuries Assessment Board assessors will have regard to the book of quantum in making their decisions. The book of quantum will also aid negotiated settlements.
326 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of cases which have been handled by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board since its establishment; the number of cases currently being handled by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31327/04]
View answer327 Mr. J. O’Keeffe asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of persons employed by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; the monthly wage bill of same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31328/04]
View answerI propose to take Questions Nos. 326 and 327 together.
From 1 June 2004 all personal injury claims arising from workplace accidents, where an employee is seeking compensation from his or her employer, must be referred to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board before legal proceedings are issued. From 22 July 2004 PIAB's remit was extended to include all personal injury claims apart from those involving medical negligence.
The structure and staffing levels of the PIAB have been agreed. The PIAB, when fully operational, will have a staffing complement of up to 85 in addition to the CEO. The PIAB is also utilising an outsourced service centre to assist injured parties in completion of their claim submissions and ensure a comprehensive, fair and independent service is provided.
The recruitment and remuneration of staff is an operational matter for which the CEO of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board has responsibility. I understand that following a significant recruitment campaign the PIAB has recruited sufficient staff to serve the current needs of its business.
While matters relating to the claims received by PIAB are also an operational matter for which the CEO has responsibility, latest figures available to me indicate that at the beginning of this month 7,475 calls had been received, 467,359 website hits had been recorded, and a total of 1,347 applications for assessment had been made, broken down as follows: 538 employer liability applications, 374 public liability applications and 435 motor accident applications.
The establishment of the PIAB will lead to reduced insurance premia to the benefit of both consumers and businesses alike. By eliminating the need for litigation costs where legal issues are not in dispute, the PIAB will significantly reduce the cost of delivering compensation. The PIAB will also offer speedier assessments to the benefit of claimants.
