The fees charged by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board to defendants to personal injury claims are to be cut by 30 per cent from €850 to €600. The 30 per cent reduction applies immediately. The €45 fee payable by claimants remains unchanged.
The reduction is part of a drive to reduce fees the Government imposes on business under the Action Plan for Jobs.
“A key pillar of the Government’s plan for jobs and growth is taking action to reduce the burden of costs and red tape on hard-pressed businesses so that they can survive, expand and create the jobs we need,” said Minister for Jobs Richard Bruton.
He said the introduction of the Companies Bill and the announcement of a new Government plan to reduce the burden of licences on businesses by 33 per cent were steps taken in this area in recent weeks.
Respondent fees
Following the reduction in respondent fees, the fees payable by insurance companies will have reduced by a total of 43 per cent since February 2011, InjuriesBoard.iechief executive Patricia Byron said.
“This substantial reduction reflects the successful defence of numerous court challenges, prudent cost management initiatives – including procurement efficiencies and outsourcing – and a gradual increase in claims volumes.”
InjuriesBoard.iehas estimated that the new rates will cut costs by about €3 million each year, making claims for victims of workplace, motor and public liability accidents cheaper for businesses and consumers without affecting awards to claimants.
