Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 October 2015
458. Deputy Eamonn Maloney asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport further to Question No. 65 of 23 September 2015, his views on whether a person is not being unacceptably exploited if significant charges are being levied that are not directly related to the risk being covered in a motor insurance policy; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35246/15]
View answerMy role in the matter of motor insurance relates to legislation under the EU Motor Insurance Directives and the Road Traffic Acts. The primary requirement in the EU Motor Insurance Directives and the Road Traffic Acts regarding motor insurance is that the driver of the vehicle is covered by third party insurance. I have no role regarding the legal framework for motor insurance regulation or for the regulation of motor insurance companies, which is a matter for my colleague, the Minister for Finance and the Central Bank respectively.
As regards the issue you raise of whether a person is being unacceptably exploited by an insurance provider, the legal duty of care that a motor insurance company, or insurance intermediary must adhere to in the sale of a policy to a member of the public is set out in the Central Bank's revised Consumer Protection Code, introduced in January 2012. This Code applies to providers of financial services including providers of insurance products in their dealings with consumers.
