asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that insurance companies will not take on new policies; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Insurance.
73.
A number of companies are understood to be not interested in taking on new motor insurance business, but I am not aware that insurance companies will not take on new policyholders generally.
In relation to motor insurance, I would again draw attention to the existence of the special machinery operated by the Minister for Local Government for helping to secure cover for persons who have been unable to obtain it from insurance companies in the normal way. Any specific cases of difficulty should, therefore, be referred to the Department of Local Government.
Is the Minister aware that it is not a matter of insurance companies saying they will not take on new policies but, rather, that they are quoting figures as high as £200 for a third party car insurance to persons under 30 years of age? Such premiums are prohibitive and are tantamount to a refusal to give cover.
I am so aware. The mechanism operated by the Minister for Local Government is functional and has been invoked in cases where the premium is so large as to be prohibitive.
The Minister for Local Government takes special care of the motorists.
I do. I do not cover the horses but I am very concerned for the motorists.
Inquiries in this regard are raised here constantly. Is the Minister aware that it is necessary at this stage to take steps and imitate what the Minister for Social Welfare did recently in order to get the message across, to inform a public which is finding it increasingly more frustrating, that this facility is available in the Department of Local Government? There are many people who are unaware of this. I must ask the Minister also why he has not acted on the recommendations of the interim report on insurance.
The Deputy will have to put down a seperate question on that.
While being aware of the activities of the Department of Local Government, I regret to say that this is not the answer to the problem and I would ask the Minister whether serious consideration has been given or will be given to precluding insurance companies from engaging in what they regard as a profitable line unless they are prepared to accept all types of insurance? They should be nailed because they are acting scandalously, not only in respect of quoting terms that are prohibitive——
The Deputy is making a statement.
Is the Minister aware that in the case of existing policy holders of car insurance, there is scandalous treatment by some companies? These companies must not be allowed to take only the good. If they are not prepared to accept the less lucrative lines they should be put out of business.
Is the Minister aware that the trend now is to seek legal rather than monetary cover, that there are many people who are prepared to pay £20 or £30 to some companies although there may be doubt as to whether any claim that might arise could be met?
Would the Minister consider making an order prohibiting insurance companies from investing the premiums of their policy-holders in luxurious buildings and in other schemes?
That is a seperate question.
The revenue from premiums should be directed towards the purposes of insurance. The present situation is the cause of the trouble.
I am calling Question No. 74.
Before answering Question No. 74, I should like to make a general observation in regard to some of the questions asked. I think everyone on both sides is aware that a very serious situation exists. From remarks of my predecessor I think he is as aware as I am that it has existed for a considerable time. For him to suggest to me now, when I was accused of indecent haste on a previous question a few months ago, when this is a difficult area, that I am dawdling impermissibly, and for that suggestion to come from him is a piece of the most incredible effrontery——
I had no report. You have it and it is gathering dust.
For people who let this situation slowly emerge and evolve, who were totally inactive, due to their inability and paralysis——
It gets worse and worse and you are doing nothing about it.
(Interruptions.)
——this is a piece of barefaced effrontery of the most ridiculous kind.
(Interruptions.)
Next question.
At least I am not paralysed.
You are acting in a paralytic manner.
You were paralysed for years.
(Interruptions.)
The Minister will answer Question No. 74.
The whole country is laughing at you. You could not act yourself for years and now you want me to——
You are doing absolutely nothing.
You are making a fool of yourself.
Will the Minister answer Question No. 74? There will be no further supplementaries on this question.