asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if the committee set up to examine the problems of motor insurance premiums has made any recommendation regarding State involvement or participation in the motor insurance business; if he has considered such involvement or participation; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Insurance.
30.
The terms of reference of the Motor Premiums Advisory Committee, which submitted a report to me recently, did not include consideration of the question of the structure of the motor insurance industry.
In August, 1970, my predecessor established the Insurance Industry Committee to inquire into the insurance industry and to make any recommendations that might seem desirable in relation to the development and organisation of the industry and the supervision of its operation in the public interest. Having examined motor insurance in the first instance and submitted an interim report in November, 1972, the committee are now examining other aspects of the industry.
I do not intend to consider changes in the structure or organisation of any sector of the insurance industry until I have received the final report of the Insurance Industry Committee.
In view of the impossible situation in which young drivers find themselves—a situation which is getting worse daily—and of the difficult situation in which all car drivers are finding themselves in regard to the renewal of policies, with some companies showing increases of more than 100 per cent, is the Minister aware that the motor industry very soon is going to feel the effect of insurance not being available or, where it is available, people not being able to afford it? If the Minister regards this as urgent he should do something drastic quickly to help the motor car owners.
I have received the report, as I informed the Dáil earlier, of the Motor Premiums Advisory Committee and I have it in hand, as I informed the Dáil earlier, for publication. The matter, I think, is near resolution. I agree about the urgency and I should like to state that I am going to publish the report which I have received. I am going to act in the ways open to me vigorously, and in the near future. I do agree that the matter is urgent.
When can we expect publication?
It is in hands. The Deputy has as much experience as I have about the delays in printing but certainly it will be printed within a month.
Will it be published before 18th June?
I cannot answer that.