Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 July 2026
840. Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance to provide an assessment of the impact of the Duty of Care and PIAB legislation on insurance premiums for customers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [59237/26]
View answerThe 2020 Action Plan for Insurance Reform delivered significant achievements, most notably the rebalancing of the Duty of Care, reforming the Injuries Resolution Board (formerly PIAB) and the introduction of new Personal Injuries Guidelines.
The Government reform agenda is having an impact on the market, with insurance now available in previously challenging areas. Key to this was the overhaul of the Duty of Care, the policy intent of which was to address ‘slips, trips and fall’ type claims, which are prevalent in the activity-based or heavy-footfall sectors. The Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023 was commenced in July 2023 and, it is anticipated that, in time, this will reduce premiums for businesses in these areas by reducing claims proceeding to costly and time-consuming litigation.
The Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022 restructured the Board with the intent of reducing legal costs, enhancing claims processing and fairness. It now has expanded powers to assess a broader range of cases, limiting costly litigation. Mediation is encouraged, ensuring disputes are resolved faster and more efficiently. These changes improve consistency in awards, providing greater predictability for insurers and claimants. By streamlining the system, it has established a fairer, more transparent process that benefits consumers, businesses, and insurers, helping to improve market stability.
The most recent National Claims Information Database (NCID) reports show that, for both private motor and employer’s and public liability claims, the Injuries Resolution Board is the fastest and most cost-effective method of resolving personal injury claims. Similarly, according to the latest Central Statistics Office’s data for June 2026, motor insurance premiums have been gradually decreasing since October 2025 and are down 3.3% year on year. They are now 36.3% lower than their peak in July of 2016.
The delivery of a fairer, more transparent, and more affordable insurance sector through structural reform and ensuring the long-term sustainability and viability of the Irish insurance market remains a key priority for Government.
