The National Competitiveness and Productivity Council (NCPC) has advised the Government to reconsider a controversial 16.5% increase in personal injury awards recommended by the Judicial Council last year.
The chair of the NCPC, Frances Ruane, briefed the Taoiseach, Tánaiste and a number of senior Minister yesterday.
The NCPC recommends a re-examination of the methodology used by the Judicial Council which is made up of judges.
It urged the Government to give “consideration of the appropriateness of introducing a near 17% increase to the level of awards for personal injuries.”
The awards are used by the Injuries Resolution Board to settle claims in a more cost efficient manner.
The levels of the awards are reviewed every three years by the Judicial Council which adjusted them in line with the rate of inflation over a three year period and recommended an increase of 16.5%.
The rise has been criticised by the Insurance Ireland, the group that lobbies on behalf of insurance companies.
In its report, the NCPC said the Judicial Council did not engage with the Injuries Resolution Board.
