asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that insurance companies have imposed severe conditions on lorry owners engaged in turf haulage, and that, since the general return of motor vehicles to the road, they have been charging increased premiums, and imposing excess premiums and very onerous conditions; and if, in view of the hardships arising from these matters, he will have the whole position examined by his Department.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Turf Haulage by Lorry.
I understand that there has been no increase in the premiums for statutory cover in the normal case of turf lorries. The second part of the question does not therefore arise.
I should like to inform the Minister that there has been an increase of 20 per cent. in the premiums of such lorries. Therefore, I think the Minister's reply is not satisfactory. Not alone has there been an increase in premiums but the insurance companies are imposing other excessive charges on the owners of these vehicles.
The Deputy is misinformed. There has been no general increase although the premiums charged in individual cases may have been raised because of bad accident records.