Michael Moynihan
Question:39. Deputy Michael Moynihan asked the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment for an update on the implementation of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022. [44181/23]
View answerThursday, 12 October 2023
Questions (39)
Written answers
Reform of the insurance sector through the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) has been a priority for me since my appointment as Minister.
The focus for government remains to reduce the costs of personal injury claims and facilitate reductions in insurance premiums while ensuring that claims are efficiently and successfully resolved for those deserving.
The Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB) Act 2022 was signed into law by the President on 13 December 2022. The Act provides for the establishment of PIAB as a new and enhanced Personal Injuries Resolution Board (PIRB).
The PIRB Act is being commenced over three phases in 2023. Phase 1 commenced on 13 February 2023 and includes provisions to allow PIAB to retain additional claims, such as those of a wholly psychological nature. Phase 1 also assigned certain additional functions to PIAB: to publish information, to commission research and analysis and to promote public awareness of the work of the Board.
Phase 2 of the Act commenced on 4 September 2023 and includes anti-fraud measures such as the requirement for a PPS Number (or alternative ID) when making an application, as well as requiring a medical report at the time of application.
I intend to commence the third and final phase of the Act with all elements relating to the introduction of a mediation service and the remaining provisions of the Act before year end and will continue to work with PIAB and my department on its enactment. Encouraging more claimants and respondents to avail of the Board’s model through mediation and/or assessment should lead to cost savings in the claims environment and contribute to reductions in insurance premiums.