Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 1 February 2005
187 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of staff employed by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board; the number of these employees who were formerly employed by the claims departments of insurance companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2683/05]
View answerThe Personal Injuries Assessment Board was established by ministerial order on 13 April 2004. As of 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. As of 22 July 2004, all motor liability and public liability claims must be referred to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board before legal proceedings are issued.
The board's structure and staffing levels have been agreed. When the board is fully operational, it will have a staffing complement of up to 85, in addition to the chief executive officer. The board uses an outsourced service centre to assist injured parties in completing their claim submissions and to ensure that a comprehensive, fair and independent service is provided. Following a significant recruitment campaign, I understand that the board has recruited sufficient staff to serve its current needs. The recruitment of staff and information about employees' previous employment history is an operational matter for which the chief executive officer of the board has responsibility.
