John Lahart
Ceist:93. Deputy John Lahart asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he has plans to reform the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. [6808/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraThursday, 10 February 2022
Ceisteanna (93)
Freagraí scríofa
The Programme for Government contains a commitment to enhance and reform the role of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). This commitment is being given effect under Action 19 of the Government’s ‘Action Plan for Insurance Reform’.
Government this week agreed to commence drafting of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Bill based on a General Scheme which I published yesterday.
The General Scheme proposes to amend the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003-2019 to increase the number of personal injury claims settled through PIAB and to avoid the expense and time associated with litigation. It provides that:
- PIAB will offer mediation as a means of resolving a claim.
- PIAB will retain claims of a wholly psychological nature.
- PIAB will have additional time to assess claims where an injury is yet to settle rather than releasing to litigation.
- PIAB will promote public awareness and conduct public information campaigns.
- PIAB will seek proof of identity on application and may disclose information to An Garda Síochána to reduce fraud.
- The Court’s discretion regarding costs in litigation will be tightened.
Given the provisions to extend the Board’s remit and give its new statutory functions to resolve personal injury claims, in the General Scheme I am also providing for a change of name to the Personal Injuries Resolution Board.
I am confident that the reforms I intend legislating for will enhance and strengthen the agency facilitating an increase in the number of personal injury claims resolved through the PIAB process and reduce the number of cases that proceed to litigation. Through this reform we will help to reduce the cost of personal injury claims and increase the affordability and availability of insurance.