asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he proposes taking any action regarding the excessive amounts now being charged by an insurance company (name supplied) in respect of cars more than five years old and for drivers in the under 21 years, under 25 years and under 30 years age brackets.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Car Insurance.
131.
I am aware that the company to which the Deputy refers is charging very high rates in relation to age of cars and drivers which, in the case of many younger drivers in particular, must be considered prohibitive, but I am not aware that the rates are higher than those charged by a number of other companies. The continuance of present levels of loadings for any length of time would be unacceptable, but as the Deputy will be aware, I have set up the Motor Premiums Advisory Committee to make recommendations which I hope will prove to be the basis of a fairer system which will be just to insurance companies and the public alike. The committee held their first meeting this week, and I asked them to proceed with their work with a sense of urgency.
Is the Minister taking into account that a 1967 car, even though it may have been in perfect condition cost £32 to insure last year and costs £53 this year? Would such a matter come within the terms of reference of the committee. Is the Minister aware that persons not in a position to pay the £100 required in the case of drivers under 21 years of age are now driving cars without being covered by insurance? Would the Minister advise them to wait until the result of the inquiry are known?
I am aware that a very unsatisfactory situation obtains, but the Deputy will be aware that a committee exists in the Department of Local Government which endeavours to help people to find insurance cover in circumstances where they have real difficulty. I think that, due to the functioning of the committee which has just been established, we can hope for an improved situation. This is not something recent; it is something which has been going on since 1970. I know it is difficult and unsatisfactory, and I hope for concrete suggestions in the near future.
The remaining questions will appear on next Tuesday's Order Paper, unless Deputies are prepared to accept written answers which may be obtained at the General Office.
The Dáil adjourned at 5 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, 6th November, 1973.