asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce the steps he has taken to date to implement the recommendations of the inquiry into the cost of motor insurance (details supplied), the measures he proposes to take in this area in the future; the estimated number of uninsured motorists driving on our roads; the number and cost of claims arising from accidents involving uninsured motorists; the reason, in his view, we have such a poor record in so far as uninsured motoring is concerned.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Insurance Costs.
27.
The Government press release of 11 October 1983 outlined the steps which would be taken as a result of the Prices Advisory Committee Report of Inquiry into the cost and methods of providing motor insurance (1982). These steps included increased fines under road traffic law; revised rules for learner drivers; introduction of windscreen insurance discs; reduction of legal delays; changes in the system of assessing damages in civil actions for injuries and increased surveillance of uninsured driving. Of the measures mentioned in the press release, practically all have been implemented or are in the process of being implemented.
The Government last year established an inter-ministerial working group to monitor and ensure the earliest possible implementation of the measures announced in October 1983. As a result of that group's deliberations further measures in relation to motor insurance were announced in August 1985.
In so far as the level of uninsured driving is concerned the only reliable data are the number of proceedings taken by the Garda which in 1984 was just under 108,000. The Motor Insurers' Bureau of Ireland, which is under the aegis of the Minister for the Environment, paid out £8.9 million in 1984 in respect of claims for personal injuries against uninsured drivers. The number of claims reported in that year was 1,513.
The level of uninsured driving is obviously dependent on a number of factors. Undoubtedly, the cost of insurance and the level of fines imposed when offenders are caught are important influences. The Government have acted in both these areas by bringing forward measures to stabilise costs and improve the insurance environment, and by increasing the maximum fines which can be imposed for uninsured driving. I am glad to note from the information available to me that the courts appear to be making use of the new levels of fines which they are permitted to impose.
We had some discussion about this during Private Members' Time this week. I would like the Minister of State and the Minister to correct the impression given by Minister Noonan here last evening so far as fines on uninsured motorists are concerned. He said that one had to apply a different standard to an unemployed person who had been brought before the courts for driving an uninsured vehicle.
(Limerick East): No, I said the courts have discretion to take into account the means of the individual. That is the law.
I would like the Minister to clear up the matter because all are equal before the law irrespective of their financial position. A person is not entitled to drive an uninsured vehicle just because he is unemployed.
That seems to be a different question.
(Limerick East): That is a lot of nonsense. I never said anything like that.
That was the implication, and the Minister of State is answering.
(Limerick East): I said the judge must take into account the means of the individual ——
Who is answering these questions?
(Limerick East):——and people who are unemployed have lower means.
I am aware of the 1914 Act but would the Minister agree it is time to amend that Act so that a minimum fine for uninsured motorists could be set at about £300?
Questions dealing with a change in legislation are the responsibility of another Minister. According to information supplied by the Department of Justice in relation to the Dublin Metropolitan Area the levels of fines imposed in 1985 for uninsured driving averaged £185. While the most commonly imposed fines were £50 and £100, considerable numbers of fines were imposed for amounts ranging between £200 and £500. Indeed, 1,446 fines out of 4,128 were imposed in respect of driving without insurance, the maximum fine of £1,000 was imposed in 87 cases and prison sentences were imposed in 599 cases.
What new arrangement has the Minister sought with the Department of Justice and the Garda with a view to better surveillance and enforcing of the Road Traffic Acts?
That is for another Minister.
The Deputy should take the matter up with the Minister for the Environment because it is his responsibility.
While I understand this is the responsibility of the Minister for Justice, with a view to reducing the numbers of uninsured motorists on the road, I am asking the Minister if he will take an immediate initiative as regards the better policing of our roads. Has Deputy Collins, as Minister, ever considered introducing a "Drive Safely Week", a week when people can be told what is required of them, that wearing a seat belt——
That is for another Minister.
All these matters relate to uninsured motorists and I am concerned that the Minister, even during the debate in Private Members' Time, was very tetchy, and he still is today. He is not saying he has any plan or policy to reduce the number of uninsured motorists. Will he point out what he will do to reduce the number of uninsured motorists on our roads?
This matter was discussed during the Private Members' motion this week. This Government have done more than any other Government to make driving safer, to improve the laws relating to safe driving, to improve our roads, to help our courts work better, to have increased surveillance as regards wearing seat belts and the Garda will mount a campaign to inform drivers of defects in their vehicles which the drivers will be obliged to have repaired within a fixed period. I suggest that the Deputy read the press release of October 1983——
Will the Minister send me a copy because I must have lost mine?
Perhaps he would also read the Government's statement of 9 August 1985 where he will see that this Government have done more to make driving safer and to stabilise and reduce the cost of motor insurance than his party did in the period 1977-81. When I examined the files on this, I found them very thin and information scarce.
In the face of that not too inspiring monologue, I give up.
Because the Deputy would have very little to say.