Personal injury awards reforms do not go far enough but are a step in right direction

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, notes that the Judicial Council’s proposed guidance for personal injuries, if followed, should approximately halve the average amount awarded.  

Neil Walker, Ibec Head of Infrastructure, said: “This is less than the 75% reduction that Ibec believes is justified by its own research and by the findings of the Personal Injuries Commission. The impact on our members’ insurance premiums will be less than we had hoped, but it is a step in the right direction. It will be important for Government and the insurance sector to assess the impact of the new guidance on award levels, including out of court settlements, over the coming year.”