asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when the report of the inquiry into motor insurance will be available.
95.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Insurance Report.
94.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce when he expects the report of the commission on insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
With your permission, a Cheann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 94 and 95 together.
I understand that the committee has reached an advanced stage in its examination of motor insurance but that it will require some further time, about two months, to complete the task. The report on other classes of insurance is expected to be available about mid-1973.
When was this committee set up and how long has it been examining the situation?
It was set up on 26th August, 1970.
It will be almost two years by the time the Minister has the report.
Yes.
Has an interim report been submitted?
No.
Did the Minister not state here that he was expecting an interim report?
I said I was expecting a report by the end of January of this year.
And this month is?
This is the beginning of February. The impression may be given that this committee, quite an extensive committee, has not been active. When a Minister gives a projection as to when he expects a report and that projection does not turn out to be correct, the impression might be created that that is because the committee has been dilatory. I want to make it quite clear that this committee has been extremely active.
Would the Minister not agree that in the meanwhile the insurance rates are going up steadily and by the time the results of the inquiry are known it will be too late to do anything? This is closing the stable door after the horse has bolted.
I do not think that is so.
The Minister will not accept anything.
The Deputy will not accept any reply.