Pearse Doherty
Question:72. Deputy Pearse Doherty asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to report on progress regarding the updating of the book of quantum; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22547/16]
View answerWednesday, 20 July 2016
Questions (72)
Written answers
The Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) is an independent statutory agency charged with assessing claims for compensation arising from personal injuries sustained as a result of a motor, workplace or public liability accident and where both parties, claimant and respondent, consent to an assessment. It is a matter for the parties concerned whether or not they wish to accept the assessment. I have no direct function in relation to the day to day operational matters 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. I am informed that PIAB engaged outside consultants to assist it in reviewing the Book of Quantum. 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.