The number of claims made to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board decreased last year, mainly as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.
There was also a reduction in the level of awards paid out to claimants. The latest annual report by Personal Injuries assessment board - the state body which assesses personal injury compensation - shows the number of applications decreased by 16% last year with just over 26,000 claims.
At the same time, the total compensation awarded is down €70m to €206m. The reduction in claims was mostly due to the lower levels of accidents as a result of far fewer people being on the roads, attending workplaces or meeting together in public areas due to the pandemic.