Tom Hayes
Question:105 Mr. T. Hayes asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to have the final report of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board. [28627/01]
Written Answers. - Insurance Costs.
Breeda Moynihan-Cronin
Question:135 Mrs. B. Moynihan-Cronin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment when she expects to receive the final report of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board; the steps she will take pending the receipt of the report to ensure that affordable motor insurance is available to young drivers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [28648/01]
I propose to take Question Nos. 105 and 135 together.
I re-established the Motor Insurance Advisory Board in 1998 to examine the factors which influence the cost of motor insurance and in particular the relationship between the premiums being levied to different categories of drivers, including young drivers, and the claims experience of those categories. The final report, which I expect to receive at the end of this year, should clarify whether premiums being charged to young people are justified by claims experience.
I will urgently examine the board's recommendations when received within the overall context of what is legally and practically possible. In accordance with EU law, we are not in a position to intervene in the pricing or underwriting of insurance.