Jim O'Keeffe
Ceist:22 Mr. J. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce his views on whether a major factor in the high cost of motor insurance is the widespread incidence of uninsured driving.
Written Answers. - Motor Insurance.
I am concerned about the level of uninsured driving on our roads.
The loss of premium income to motor insurers arising from uninsured driving is estimated at over £30 million per year. This represents a cost of £30 on average to every insured motorist's premium These calculations are based on a survey in 1987 by the Garda Síochána which showed the national level of uninsured driving to be 6 per cent to 8 per cent or 76,000 vehicles. It is important, therefore, that every possible step should be taken to eliminate, or at least substantially reduce, the level of uninsured driving.
Through the interdepartmental committee on road-related legislation my Department have pressed for measures to strengthen the legal framework for more effective enforcement of the law on motor insurance, such as the impounding of vehicles without a current insurance disc. The formulation of such measures is primarily the responsibility of the Minister for the Environment.