13th July 2023
Dara Calleary TD, Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation at the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment, today welcomed the publication of the National Claims Information Database Mid-Year Data Release on Employers' Liability and Public Liability Insurance.
Minister Calleary, who has responsibility for PIAB, said:
“The findings of the National Claims Information Database on Public Liability and Employer’s Liability Insurance report reaffirms that the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB), under the aegis of my department, is providing a much-needed timely and cost-effective service to the public in assessing personal injury insurance claims.
“PIAB has been the first body to utilise the Personal Injury Assessment Guidelines in their assessment of personal injury claims from April 2021. This report highlights that the guidelines are having the desired impact in terms of reducing the costs of claims settled through the PIAB.
“Of course, we are still at an early stage in seeing the full impact of the guidelines, but I fully expect that future reports will continue to demonstrate this positive outcome on an even greater scale. This is positive for business and all of society in terms of how we can reduce the cost of insurance.“
The Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022 was enacted into law in December 2022 and delivers on an important Programme for Government commitment. It represents a significant step-change in Ireland’s personal injuries framework and a new and enhanced Personal Injuries Resolution Board.
Minister Calleary added:
“The Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022 has been a priority for me since my appointment as Minister. Ensuring that it is an effective first-stop for personal injury claims is key. I will commence the second phase of the Act on 4 September 2023 which will further strengthen the PIAB process and reduce the potential for identity fraud and ensure accuracy in relation to payment of resolved claims.
“I intend to commence the third and final phase of the Act including the introduction of a mediation service before year end. PIAB encourages claimants and respondents to avail of an enhanced personal injuries resolution service, reducing the need to go to court and reducing the cost of personal injury claims. The acceptance rate for PIAB Awards is currently holding at 48% and the respondent consent rate is growing and is currently 70%.”
Notes
Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022 (Commencement of Certain Provisions) Order 2023
The Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act was signed into law by the President on 13 December 2022. The Act amends the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003-2019 to increase the number of personal injury claims settled through PIAB and to reduce the expense and time associated with personal injuries litigation.
About PIAB (Personal Injuries Assessment Board)
PIAB independently assesses claims for compensation arising from personal injuries sustained because of a motor, workplace, or public liability incident. Under the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Acts 2003-2019, all personal injury claims, with certain exceptions, such as medical negligence cases, must be submitted to PIAB unless they are settled by the parties involved at an early stage.
The Central Bank’s reporting under the National Claims Information Database shows that claims settled through PIAB are settled faster and have much lower legal costs than those settled by litigation, despite having similar award levels for claimants.
Insurance reform
The Programme for Government contains commitments to deliver an insurance system which is both affordable and reliable and one which underpins a vibrant economy. The ‘Action Plan for Insurance Reform’ was launched on 8 December 2020. The Action Plan sets out 66 actions for reform to bring down the costs for consumers and business and to introduce more competition into the market. Approximately 90% of the actions in the Plan have been delivered.
ENDS
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