Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 1 Jul 2003

Vol. 570 No. 2

Written Answers. - Personal Injuries Assessment Board.

Joe Costello

Ceist:

87 Mr. Costello asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the promised personal injuries assessment board will be established on a statutory basis; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18453/03]

Paudge Connolly

Ceist:

133 Mr. Connolly asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her plans to introduce a personal injuries assessment board in the foreseeable future; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [18347/03]

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

I propose to take Questions Nos. 87 and 133 together.

On 27 May 2003 the Government approved the priority drafting and publication of the general scheme of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill. It is intended to introduce the published Bill into the Houses of the Oireachtas in the autumn and to enact it by year end, allowing the personal injuries assessment board to be up and running early in 2004.

The main objective of the personal injuries assessment board is to reduce the cost of delivery of compensation. It is not designed to reduce the level of awards. It will initially deal with employer liability cases where liability issues do not arise. It will subsequently be extended to public liability cases and claims involving motor accidents.