Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 16 May 2017
76. Deputy Niall Collins asked the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation the status of publishing a heads of Bill to enhance the powers of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board as the Minister responsible for this recommendation in the cost of motor insurance report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22962/17]
View answerOne of the recommendations in the Cost of Insurance Working Group Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance published on 10 January 2017 by the Minister for Finance, Mr Michael Noonan T.D., and the Minister of State for Financial Services, Mr Eoghan Murphy T.D. is to publish Heads of a Bill to enhance the powers of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB).
In June 2014, a public consultation was held on the operation and implementation of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Acts, 2003 and 2007, with a view to identifying any areas relating to the scope, powers or operation of the legislation which might require change. The 2003 Act had been in force for over eleven years and it was considered timely to take stock of how the legislation is operating in practice.
Twenty nine submissions were received from a range of interests including Government Departments and agencies; industry, insurance and legal interests; and individuals. The Department has been examining these submissions with a view to identifying whether there are areas which might require change. The General Scheme of the Bill is now being prepared and it will have regard to the relevant recommendations of the Report of the Cost of Insurance Working Group. I intend to seek Government approval for the drafting of a Bill by the end of the second quarter of this year. The review will seek to strengthen the legislation to encourage more claims to be finalized through the Board.
