I propose to take Questions Nos. 53, 74 and 86 together.
The insurance reform programme that I announced on 25 October last comprises a comprehensive set of inter-related measures designed to improve the functioning of the Irish insurance market. I chair a ministerial committee established to drive the co-ordinated implementation of the reform programme across the relevant Departments. Substantial progress is being made on a range of measures that will radically overhaul the functioning of the insurance market.
Progress has been made on the implementation of the majority of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board recommendations and to date 23 have been implemented. I have already brought in regulations requiring insurers to give policyholders 15 working days notice for renewal of motor insurance policies and also requiring no claims bonus information to be provided with renewal notices. These are designed to facilitate policyholders make price comparisons.
The Government recently approved the drafting of the general scheme of the Bill to place the Personal Injuries Assessment Board on a statutory basis. It is hoped to enact the legislation by the end of the year and the board should be hearing cases early in 2004.
My Department and the Competition Authority are undertaking a joint study into the insurance market. The study will identify and analyse barriers to entry and limitations on rivalry in the insurance marketplace. It is envisaged that the bulk of the work will be completed this year and that a report will be produced in the early part of 2004.