Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 22 Oct 2002

Vol. 555 No. 5

Written Answers. - Motor Insurance.

Richard Bruton

Question:

131 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has sought or obtained a commitment from the insurance industry that it will not decline to insure individuals solely on the grounds that they are aged over 65 years in respect of a vehicle for private hire; if such a refusal would constitute a breach of the law on age discrimination, unless the insurance company could show evidence that drivers in the age category concerned had a significantly higher risk for the class of vehicles involved; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [19004/02]

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

Several of the recommendations in the recent report from the Motor Insurance Advisory Board, MIAB, relate to equal status, whether in the general context of compliance with the Equal Status Act, 2000, or in a more specifically targeted sense, in terms of, for instance, the prohibition on discriminatory action in relation to age. As part of the core function of the Equality Authority is the elimination of prohibited discrimination in the areas covered by the Equal Status Act, 2000, the MIAB report has been referred to the authority for appropriate action. I understand the authority has already opened a number of case files on complaints, which are being processed with a view to their referral to the Office of the Director of Equality Investigations.

Richard Bruton

Question:

132 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if there is a policy operated by her Department for persons who have been declined insurance by the insurance industry in respect of a limousine to be used for private hire. [19005/02]

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

Motorists are legally obliged to hold third party motor insurance. In the case of a person who has been declined motor insurance by the insurance industry, he or she may refer the case to the Declined Cases Committee, which was established to assist individuals who are unable to obtain motor insurance cover. The committee is comprised of representatives from authorised motor insurance companies under the chairmanship of the Irish Insurance Federation. The federation would be the source of further information on this matter.