The new offering follows the roll-out in December 2023 of the IRB’s mediation service for employer liability claims and its extension in May 2024 to cover public liability injury claims.

An emphasis on mediation forms a key part of the reforms introduced by the Personal Injuries Resolution Board Act 2022, which rebranded the former Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB).

Enterprise, trade and employment minister Peter Burke said: “Mediation is an effective way of resolving disputes quickly and in a cost-efficient manner. It helps parties reach a mutual agreement and provides an alternative to litigation which can be costly, stressful and time-consuming for all involved.

“Already we have seen a strong initial response to the introduction of mediation with almost 40 per cent of claimants indicating that they would be willing to enter into the mediation process in workplace accident claims.”

Mediation can address a broader range of issues than those currently considered in the Board’s assessment service, including claim value, extent of injury, and contributory negligence among others.

Mediation also allows the Board to consider cases where liability is not agreed, which PIAB was not previously able to do.

Mr Burke said: “The enhancement of the Injuries Resolution Board, which this year celebrated 20 years since its establishment in 2004, is very positive.

“The current consent rate to assessing cases for the Board was an impressive 71 per cent at quarter three this year, while the acceptance rate for their assessment awards has risen from 36 per cent in mid-2021 to a healthy 50 per cent this year.”

The Board has received around 500,000 cases since its establishment in April 2004, resulting in over 180,000 injury awards with a total value of approximately €2.2 billion.

The government estimates that the Board has achieved €1 billion in savings in carrying out that work.