With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 39, 40 and 41 together.
I am aware that some companies are reluctant to provide motor insurance for persons not previously insured, but I am not aware of any instance of failure to secure cover in the market. There is machinery available under the auspices of the Minister for Local Government for dealing with cases of individual drivers who find difficulty in securing cover.
Under their agreement with me, the companies are not free to increase the basic rates by more than 17½ per cent. Where instances involving a possible breach of the arrangements governing control of premium rates have been brought to my attention, I have had the matter taken up with the companies concerned. I must, however, accept the right of the companies to apply reasonable additional loadings on the basic rate on renewal where there has been an increase in risk.
It would be premature to consider the possibility of a system of State motor insurance in advance of the report of the committee which I am setting up to look into the insurance industry.