9th February 2022 |
Bills
This document outlines the Heads of the General Scheme of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Bill 2022.
The Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation Robert Troy TD has received agreement from Government to commence drafting of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Bill.
The General Scheme relates to the Programme for Government commitment to enhance and reform the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) and commitments in the Action Plan for Insurance Reform.
It 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 campaign.
- 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 it new statutory functions to resolve personal injury claims the General Scheme also provides for a change of name to the Personal Injuries Resolution Board.
Publication of the General Scheme is also accompanied by a report on the public consultation on PIAB Reform undertaken in March 2021.
Published by
Commerce, Consumer and Competition