asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that it is now virtually impossible to get insurance cover for lorries; and what steps he is taking to overcome this problem.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Lorry Insurance Cover.
43.
I am not aware that it is virtually impossible to get insurance cover for lorries. As the Deputy is no doubt aware, the Minister for Local Government has special machinery available for helping to secure cover for persons who have been refused cover or who have been quoted a premium that is tantamount to a refusal and any cases of difficulty should be referred to him.
Would the Minister say if this applies to lorries only?
Oh, no.
Taxis?
Could the Minister say what arrangement the Minister for Local Government has to ensure that reasonable cover can be obtained if there is extreme difficulty outside because the information I have is that half the trucks on the road are going around the country without insurance?
That is not so.
A large number of them are not insured because people simply cannot get insurance or, if they do get it, they have to pay too high a price for it.
Is the Minister aware that the general practice now is for insurance companies to refuse to take on new business of any kind? Even when a company breaks down or fails the people with that company cannot get cover for a long period and surely the Minister should try to make the commission investigating this move a little faster?
I am aware of the delay.
Could the Minister say when we will have the commission's report or when will we know where we stand in relation to insurance?
I am hoping to have the report inside the next month.
The Minister might, in fact, be surprised to see mini car licences on trucks.