Leading insurance broker for small businesses, CFM Insurance Group, wants the Government to overhaul the current system governing minor injuries awards.

Minister of State at the Department of Finance with special responsibility for Financial Services and Insurance, Michael D’Arcy has defended the Minister for Justice’s decision to shelve plans for a dedicated Garda Insurance Fraud Unit.

Former High Court president, Nicholas Kearns, is chair of the Personal Injuries Commission which has found that personal injury payouts here are 4.4 times higher than in Britain.

The insurance industry has called for greater measures to tackle fraudulent compensation claims — with one company claiming it will be contesting some 500 “suspicious cases” awaiting trial dates in the courts.

Seven out of 10 of all personal injury motor cases assessed by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) during the first half of this year were whiplash-related.

TWO lawyers, John and Paul, meet in the foyer of the Four Courts. Or maybe they are in Cork City courthouse, writes Michael Clifford

The Chairman of the Personal Injuries Commission has warned there needs to be “a massive onslaught” on fraud in the motor claims area and said as a “last resort” the Government could legislate to put a cap on the amount of compensation awarded.

Information held by insurance companies and other organisations on the incidence of whiplash injuries should be published, according to the Personal Injuries Commission.

Financial Services Minister Eoghan Murphy has said there is room for the Law Society and small businesses to work together to identify the costs of public liability claims.

The chief executive of FBD has urged the Government to act on its own extensive report into the insurance industry and bring forward legislation that would help rein in the costs of claims.

Moves to bring down the soaring cost of car insurance have been announced.