Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 7 October 2025
447. Deputy Cian O'Callaghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration if his Department has any plans to legislate on the issue of the lack of compensation for persons injured in non-negligent accidents on public transport, in which liability cannot be assigned to any party; if he believes that there is a role for the Motor Insurance Bureau of Ireland in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [53765/25]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe possibility of introducing a no-fault insurance system in Ireland has been examined before by Government. The Second and Final Report of Personal Injuries Commission in 2018, commissioned by the then Minster for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, considered this issue and concluded that it would be difficult to envisage a no-fault system, such as exists in New Zealand, being applied in Ireland, in view of our current legal and constitutional framework. The Commission also noted that introducing a no-fault system model would have fundamental cost implications, in terms of raising revenue in the form of direct and indirect taxation.
Accordingly, I have no immediate plans to amend civil liability legislation in the manner suggested by the Deputy.
The agreement between the State and the Motor Insurers Bureau of Ireland is a matter for the Minister for Transport.
