Injury assessment board should lower premiums

The Irish Insurance Federation says today's publication of the draft legislation for a personal injuries assessment board should mean the start of lower premiums.

The Federation says if the board fulfils its potential, unnecessary costs will be eliminated once and for all.

Tanaiste Mary Harney believes the board could be operative by as early as next January.

Legal costs are being blamed by the IIF for pushing up compensation payouts by as much as 40% in some cases.