Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 24 October 2019
239. Deputy Marc MacSharry asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport the status of each of the measures recommended by the motor insurance working group that fall within the remit of his Department. [43968/19]
View answerMy Department is responsible for five recommendations of the Cost of Insurance Working Group, specifically recommendations 28 to 32.
Recommendation 28 is to establish a database to identify uninsured drivers. Legislation is in place to enable the creation of such a database, referred to as the Motor Third Party Liability (MTPL) database. My officials have been engaging with the Motor Insurers’ Bureau of Ireland, Insurance Ireland and the Garda Síochána on this project, which has been long and complex. I would like here to acknowledge the contribution of all stakeholders. The first phase of the database is almost ready to go live, and I hope to sign the necessary commencement order for the legislation before the end of November. In order for the full benefit of this database to be achieved, some small amendments to the legislation will still be required, and these are included in the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill, which is currently being drafted.
Recommendation 29 calls for the development of a protocol to provide that the insurance industry use the driver number to check driver details on the national vehicle and driver file. This recommendation is dependent on prior completion of recommendation 28.
Recommendation 30 - Expedite development of the Master Licence Record. This is a highly complex project, and we will require further legislative amendment in order to achieve it. This legislation too will be addressed in the Road Traffic (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill.
Recommendation 31 calls for the establishment of a protocol in regard to insurance companies requiring proof of NCT or Certificate of Roadworthiness. This project is dependent on the prior completion of Recommendation 30.
Finally, Recommendation 32 is to ‘require the insurance industry to promote compliance with road safety legislation.’ My officials worked with the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and Insurance Ireland to assist in the development of a protocol for the insurance industry to promote road safety in policy documents and through other mechanisms. While a protocol was agreed, final sign-off and implementation has yet to occur, and my officials are working with the RSA and Insurance Ireland to expedite this.
