Skip to main content
Normal View

Legislative Measures

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 2 November 2021

Tuesday, 2 November 2021

Questions (19)

Cormac Devlin

Question:

19. Deputy Cormac Devlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment his legislative priorities in the area of insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [52616/21]

View answer

Written answers

Insurance reform is one of my top priorities as Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, which I chair, published the Action Plan for Insurance Reform in December 2020.

Significant legislative reforms have already been completed. The Personal Injuries Guidelines came into effect on the 24th of April, which has resulted in the average Personal Injuries Assessment Board award decreasing by approximately 40%. The Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Act 2021 was commenced on 28 July 2021 and should enable the offence and related offences to be more easily prosecuted in the courts.

While progress on these actions is welcome, Government is committed to doing more to reduce insurance costs. The Minister for Justice is considering legislative proposals to reform the law in the area of occupier’s liability. The Minister for Finance is also developing legislation to enhance the National Claims Information Database.

Regarding actions under the aegis of my Department, Minister Troy is developing proposals to enhance and reform the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. Heads of a Bill have been developed which the Minister is considering, in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office. The Minister expects to bring proposals for legislative reform to Government shortly.

Minister Troy is also progressing legislation to strengthen competition law in Ireland. The legislation will break new ground in this area, giving competition authorities, such as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), enhanced powers including administrative sanctions and other tools in dealing with anti-competitive practices.

Implementation of these legislative reforms together with the other actions set out in the Action Plan will deliver meaningful reform of the insurance market and create the conditions for the provision of affordable insurance for consumers and business.

Top
Share