Vol. 544 No. 4
115 Mr. Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if his attention has been drawn to a recent newspaper report (details supplied) regarding personal injury claims; if the allegations are to be investigated; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29143/01]
I am aware of the allegations made. If there are grounds for complaints, such complaints should be made in the first instance to the relevant professional bodies.
I am confident that the establishment of the PIAB, the setting up of which is being progressed by an implementation group, will achieve a reduction in the delivery costs of personal injury compensation for work related injuries, in its initial term of operation, and later in motor injury cases. Savings in the delivery costs should be possible because the PIAB will operate in a non-adversarial manner, thus reducing the involvement of professionals in the settlement process. There is no intention to reduce the amount paid to claimants. The level of awards made by the board will conform to the awards made by the courts.
116 Mr. Kirk asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the personal injuries assessment board will be established; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [29144/01]
Following this Government's decision to establish a personal injuries assessment board, and in accordance with that decision, an interdepartmental implementation group was set up to progress the establishment of the new board. The group has had a number of meetings.
This group is examining the operational issues surrounding the establishment of an assessment board and the legal implications, including what legislative changes, if any, will be necessary to establish the PIAB. The work includes consideration of how the board should actually work in practice and the procedures it should adopt. The group expects to report close to the end of this year.
I am confident that the establishment of the PIAB will achieve a reduction in the delivery costs of personal injury compensation for work related injuries, in its initial term of operation, and later in motor injury cases by reducing the delivery costs of compensation. There is no intention to reduce the amount paid to claimants. The level of awards made by the board will conform to the awards made by the courts.
