Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 20 April 2016
138. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation if he will direct the Personal Injuries Assessment Board to update its book of quantum; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7322/16]
View answerThe Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is an independent statutory agency and I, as Minister, am not permitted in my executive function to interfere in any way with the day to day operations and functions of PIAB.
Section 54 of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 sets out the principal functions of the Board. Section 54(1)(b) states: ‘to prepare and publish a document (which shall be known as the ‘‘Book of Quantum’’) containing general guidelines as to the amounts that may be awarded or assessed in respect of specified types of injury’.
The Book of Quantum was last produced in June 2004 and data was sourced by independent consultants on behalf of PIAB from a number of sources including, the Courts Service, the Insurance Industry and the State Claims Agency. PIAB are currently reviewing the Book of Quantum and have engaged outside consultants to assist in this work.
PIAB hope to have the revised Book of Quantum ready as soon as possible. The Book isn’t a recommendation for compensation levels but rather a reflection of the prevailing level of awards, i.e.:
- compensation values awarded by the courts
- settlements agreed by the Insurance Industry
- settlements agreed by the State Claims Agency; and
- settlements agreed through the PIAB process.
