Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 25 Feb 2003

Vol. 562 No. 1

Written Answers - Travel Insurance.

Tony Gregory

Question:

201 Mr. Gregory asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her Department has received complaints from persons over 60 years of age regarding difficulties accessing travel insurance; her views on this issue; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [5182/03]

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

I would be concerned that persons in any particular age category might have difficulties in obtaining travel insurance cover.

The pricing and underwriting of insurance is a matter for individual insurance companies and EU law prevents me or my Department from intervening in relation to the matter of premium levels or in respect of what risks insurance companies are prepared to underwrite. Insurers make decisions on provision of cover based on their assessment of that particular risk.

Under the Equal Status Act 2000, any individual who considers that he or she has experienced discrimination, within the meaning of the Act, may refer a complaint to the Director of Equality Investigations for investigation or mediation. Among the areas of potential discrimination are age or sex of an individual.