Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 9 Jun 1992

Vol. 420 No. 9

Written Answers. - Motor Insurance.

Richard Bruton

Question:

168 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Minister for the Environment the plans, if any, he has to amend the Road Traffic Acts in order to allow Irish persons to gain quotes from insurance companies based in other EC countries for motor insurance, in order that the full benefits of a single market in insurance could be obtained for Irish motorists.

Minister for the Environment (Mr. Smith)

The implementation measures necessary to open up the Irish motor insurance market to insurers established in other EC Member States are primarily a matter for the Minister for Industry and Commerce.

I propose later this year to make Regulations under the European Communities Act, 1972 amending section 78 of the Road Traffic Act, 1961 in order to require insurers established in other EC Member States transacting third party motor insurance in Ireland to be members of the Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland. It may also be necessary to amend the definition of "vehicle insurer" under section 58 of the 1961 Act to cover the insurers concerned.