asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism whether he is aware of reports that between 10,000 and 15,000 drivers have ceased continuing their motor insurance contracts with the PMPA Insurance Company Ltd. Since an administrator was appointed to manage the affairs of the company and do not appear to have obtained motor insurance cover elsewhere; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - PMPA Insurance Company.
2.
While I am aware of the reports referred to by the Deputy, I do not believe from the information available to me that the situation as alleged in the reports in question represents the position.
What means has the Minister at his disposal to indicate as incorrect the reports which have been published which say that 15,000 fewer motorists are now insured than before the PMPA went into administration?
My Department have made an investigation into this matter which indicates quite clearly that the number of policyholders of motor insurance has increased in 1983 over 1982 figures and it is projected that it will increase in 1984.
Just to clarify the position, is the Minister aware that from a survey carried out by the Garda Síochána——
Please, Deputy, supplementary questions are for clarifying information already given by the Minister. If a Deputy asks is the Minister aware and then proceeds to give a lot of information, that is not a question in any shape or form.
I accept totally the Chair's ruling. I want to make this point, if I may. All the information published indicates that the present level of uninsured driving is something of the order of 25 per cent of all drivers. A report was published some short time ago——
Deputy, please.
I am merely asking the Minister to tell the House the published information which he has to show that all the reports which have been made public and the results of the Garda survey are incorrect. He has not given that information.
That seems to be another question.
I should like to put down a number of questions, if it is necessary.
If I may respond to the Deputy, not particularly in relation to PMPA, the insurance industry is a fairly competitive one. Companies may increase the number of policyholders, or a number may not renew their policies. I am aware of that and it is generally acknowledged that there is an overall level of uninsured driving which is usually estimated to be around 10 per cent. I am also aware that the Garda are intensifying their surveillance in such cases. I am further aware that a number of cars have been taken off the road in recent years because of the general recession, or because the person no longer wants to continue driving. There is also the fact that people change their insurance companies. I am satisfied that in this case the Deputy is again over-emphasising and over-dramatising the matter.
Arising out of the Minister's reply to the effect that the number of policyholders in the PMPA increased in 1983 and was expected to increased again in 1984, does the Minister know the reason for that? Could it be attributed to the fact that motor policyholders in all companies bar the PMPA are subsidising the PMPA through the imposed levy? That being so, would the Minister indicate whether the administration system at present pertaining to the PMPA is likely to continue for an indefinite number of years, or for any particular period?
That is a separate question.
It arises out of the Minister's reply that the number of policyholders was increasing.
This is clearly raising another matter, of whether the present arrangements with the PMPA will continue indefinitely.
One very brief question.
It does not arise.
May I correct the statement made by Deputy Taylor? I did not specify the PMPA in my answer. I said that the number of policyholders generally had increased over 1982 and was expected to increase in 1984.
Oh, I see. In that case, what is the position in the PMPA, so far as the policyholders whom they cover are concerned?
I should not like to indicate any company's portfolio of policyholders. I think that would be most unfair.
Not even one which has a public subsidy?
May I add, for the Deputy's information, that the PMPA are, in fact, subject to the same levy as all other insurance companies.
Is there not a levy on other companies to subsidise the PMPA?
Question No. 3.