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Personal Injuries Assessment Board.

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 18 February 2004

Wednesday, 18 February 2004

Ceisteanna (94, 95)

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

163 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when the personal injuries assessment board will be in operation; the measures that the PIAB or her Department will be undertaking to make the public aware of its operations; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5123/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

The personal injuries assessment board, PIAB, will commence operating when all its necessary support systems and structures are in place such as staffing complement, IT systems, fitted out premises and so on. I am happy to inform the Deputy that a chief executive officer designate has commenced duty since 2 February 2004, a staff recruitment campaign is being launched this month, contracts have been signed in relation to part of the IT infrastructure, and a lease on the new premises is also to be signed this month. The PIAB will be operational when the above are in place. In advance of that, my Department and the interim board of the PIAB will make the public aware of the new body.

Phil Hogan

Ceist:

164 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the number of cases that the personal injuries assessment board is expected to handle in its first year of operation; when the personal injuries assessment board will start dealing with cases other than employer liability cases; the number of public offices that the personal injuries assessment board will be opening and the date on which these will be operational; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5124/04]

Amharc ar fhreagra

It is envisaged that the personal injuries assessment board will deal initially with employer liability cases but will then extend to cover public liability and motor cases in June 2004. It is estimated that the PIAB will deal with up to 30,000 cases in its first year of operation.

The PIAB will be based in a single office in the greater Dublin area. The PIAB will operate a documents only procedure for handling claims and hence there will be no requirement for a public office. In line with its statutory duties, the PIAB will operate a service centre to assist claimants and ensure a comprehensive, fair and independent service is provided.

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