Personal injury award hikes risk punishing associations

The Irish Government’s proposal to raise personal injury awards by 17% is sparking alarm among business leaders. ISME warns that higher payouts will inflate insurance premiums, stripping vital funds from SMEs, retailers, and community organisations while enriching an already profitable legal sector. Ireland’s personal injury payouts remain far higher than comparable countries, with 14 times more cases than England and Wales despite a smaller population. ISME argues the move undermines years of work to reduce insurance costs, calling it a capitulation to vested legal interests rather than a decision for social good.

Read the full analysis on the proposed awards increase here.