asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he will make a statement on the present position regarding motor insurance and the Government's proposals in this regard.
157.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Insurance.
156.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that serious hardship is being caused to a large section of the community due to the present inequality of motor insurance premiums; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
158.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that holders of provisional driving licences are finding it impossible to obtain motor insurance at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
159.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether he is aware that drivers under 25 years of age are finding it impossible to obtain motor insurance at present; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 156, 157, 158 and 159 together.
I am aware of the difficulties obtaining in the motor insurance market at present with regard to the inability of certain categories of driver to get insurance cover, the high premiums being charged those who do succeed in getting cover, and the inequality in rates of premium quoted due to the variety in the range and levels of loadings.
I believe these difficulties stem primarily from the unsatisfactory premium structure which has developed in motor insurance over the past few years, and last October I established the Motor Premiums Advisory Committee to look into the matter in detail and advise me on premium rates and loadings. I expect to have their first report about the end of this month and I intend then, after consultation with the National Prices Commission, to take early action in the matter.
The Interim Report of the Insurance Industry Committee contained certain longer-term recommendations in regard to motor insurance, and these are being examined by my Department in consultation with other Departments concerned.
In view of the serious position in regard to motor insurance business generally, could I ask the Minister to suggest to the Minister for Industry and Commerce that one of two things be done: either these questions be deferred until the Minister for Industry and Commerce himself is here to answer supplementaries on them, or that he be asked to make a statement in the House in the immediate future before the situation, which is worsening week by week, deteriorates further, with the tyrannical attitude the insurance companies are adopting towards existing and new customers?
I shall convey the Deputy's views to the Minister for Industry and Commerce.
I take it there will be some opportunity to have this matter discussed?
The Deputy is aware that the Industry and Commerce Supplementary Estimate will be coming before the House.
I do not think that is good enough at this stage, but, in that case, I would like to ask the Minister a supplementary question regarding this matter. Can we take it that this report will be available at the end of this month, and, if so, will the Minister take immediate steps to ensure that something is done to clear up this insurance situation?
As I did reply on behalf of the Minister, he expects to have the first report of the Motor Premiums Advisory Committee about the end of this month and intends, after consultation with the National Prices Commission, to take early action.