Judges from next week will begin the process of reviewing personal injury claim award levels in a bid to help drive down high premium costs faced by consumers and businesses.

Legislation allowing judges set guidelines on personal injury awards in line with other countries should be in place by the summer, the minister in charge of insurance policy says.

The minister of state in charge of insurance reform has traded angry exchanges with TDs and senators who accused him of treading softly with the industry on recommendations made to lower costs for consumers.