Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Feb 2002

Vol. 547 No. 3

Written Answers. - Personal Injuries Assessment Board.

Gerry Reynolds

Ceist:

71 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of meetings held by the interdepartmental implementation group on the personal injuries assessment board; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3364/02]

Liz McManus

Ceist:

78 Ms McManus asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if she has received the report of the interdepartmental implementation group on the establishment of a personal injuries assessment board which she informed Dáil Éireann on 20 November 2001 was expected by the end of December 2001; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [3339/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

I propose to take Questions 71 and 78 together.

Following the Government's decision to establish a personal injuries assessment board, PIAB, an interdepartmental implementation group was set up by us to progress the establishment of the new board. The group has had ten meetings to date.

The group is examining the legal implications, including what legislative changes, if any, will be necessary to establish the PIAB. Its work also includes consideration of structures and operational procedures of the board. Reaching final agreement is proving more difficult than previously envisaged. The group is, however, nearing completion of its examination and is finalising its report.

I will consider the report of the group when it becomes available and will bring proposals to Government.