Insurers challenged on premium reduction

EIGHTY percent of applicants to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) decided to use solicitors to assist them in processing their claims.

Dick O’Driscoll of Hibernian Insurance (Irish Examiner, May 18) seems to ignore the fact that it is the fundamental right of any individual to seek legal advice on any issue that significantly affects his or her day-to-day life.

It is the right of the taxpayer to brief an accountant to deal with his or her tax affairs. It is the right of a home-builder to brief an engineer to apply for his or her planning permission. In each case the individual seeking the assistance of the professional will discharge the expense incurred in so doing.