Vol. 572 No. 3
183 Mr. O'Shea asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the discussions she has had with the insurance industry regarding the refusal of travel insurance for persons over 75 years of age; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22976/03]
I have not had any discussions with the insurance industry specifically regarding the refusal of travel insurance for persons over 75 years of age. I have, however, met representatives of the industry on many occasions concerning the overall cost of insurance to consumers and business and the recommendations of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board. Included in these is a recommendation that insurers adopt rating practices that allow sufficient credit for accident free driving experience rather than filtering out risks solely on the basis of age. The Irish Insurance Federation is addressing this recommendation in its new code of practice, which is expected to be published shortly.
Furthermore on 1 May 2003, the Irish Financial Services Regulatory Authority, IFSRA, came into effect. IFSRA has a wide regulatory remit, covering consumer protection and prudential supervision of practically all of the financial services, including insurance services and products.
