Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 18 Jun 2002

Vol. 553 No. 2

Written Answers. - Motor Insurance.

Michael D. Higgins

Question:

105 Mr. M. Higgins asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the progress made to date in implementing the recommendations of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board; if a timetable has been set for the implementation of the recommendations; if she intends to introduce interim measures to control the price of motor insurance, especially for young drivers, pending the full implementation of the report; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [13628/02]

Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment (Ms Harney)

An Agreed Programme for Government contains a commitment to implement the recommendations of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board. The implementation group set up at the end of April is making good progress on preparation of an action plan to give effect to the 67 recommendations. The plan, which I intend to make available to the public, will contain a target timeframe for implementation of each recommendation by the Department or body concerned.

I am precluded by EU law from intervening in underwriting policy or controlling the price of insurance as such. However, the Government intends to tackle the high costs of insurance by way of the comprehensive set of measures which we have put forward in our agreed programme.