A new system intended to make the processing of compensation claims more efficient moved a step closer today with the passing of the Personal Injuries Assessment Bill 2003 (PIAB).
The Bill provides for the establishment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board - due to come into operation in the New Year - on a statutory basis. The Board's objective is to tackle the delivery-cost of speedier compensation to genuine claimants, so reducing the cost of insurance for consumers and businesses.
The Tánaiste, Ms Harney, who introduced the Bill, welcomed its passing by both houses of the Oireachtas.
The Bill is expected to be signed into law by end of year, with the PIAB itself expected to commence operations early in 2004.
The passing of the Bill will be welcomed by the business community, representatives of which had called for some time for the introduction of such legislation.
The PIAB will first deal with business and employers' liability claims before covering public liability and motor accidents.
The passing of the bill comes in the wake of yesterday's landmark Supreme Court decision concerning a Dublin man who was awarded compensation as a result of a collision involving a bus.
The Supreme Court directed that the man pay Dublin Bus the costs incurred by the company for fighting the case in the High Court rather than the Circuit Court.
The board will make awards in relation to claims where legal issues are not disputed.
A Book of Quantum giving guidelines as to damages to be awarded for different injuries will be compiled to be used by PIAB. The board will also be able to award special damages for claims such as loss of earnings and medical expenses.
If parties do not accept the outcome of the PIAB assessment they may reject the award and take court proceedings instead.