29th May 2023
Dara Calleary TD Minister of State for Trade Promotion, Digital and Company Regulation has today announced details of the commencement of the second phase of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022 which will take effect from 4 September 2023.
Announcing the commencement date, Minister Calleary said:
“I am pleased to announce the commencement of the second phase of the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022. This Act has been a priority for me since my appointment as Minister.
“The second phase will further strengthen the PIAB process and reduce the potential for identity fraud and ensure accuracy in relation to payment of resolved claims.
“As this phase sees a change to the current application process, I am providing a period of notice for enactment to allow for all relevant stakeholders, especially claimants, to become familiar with the updated process and make any necessary arrangements.”
From 4 September 2023:
- it will be a requirement to supply a Personal Public Service Number or alternative identification, when making an application to PIAB
- all claimants will be required to sign the application form
- failure to supply the required information listed in sections 3(b) and 3(c) of the PIRB Act 2022 regarding an application to PIAB, including description in the medical report of the personal injuries allegedly sustained, will result in the statute of limitations continuing to run and the PIAB application will be incomplete
PIAB will be communicating with relevant stakeholders to ensure they are aware of the changes in advance of their implementation.
Minister Calleary further added:
“The Government has prioritised and delivered insurance reform under the Programme for Government. As part of this reform agenda the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act encourages more 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.
“I intend to commence the third and final phase of the Act with all elements relating to the introduction of a mediation service and the remaining provisions of the Act before year end and will continue to work with PIAB and my Department on its enactment.”
Notes to Editors
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.
Back to Department News