Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 28 May 1991

Vol. 409 No. 1

Written Answers. - Motor Insurance.

Dick Spring

Ceist:

24 Mr. Spring asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties being experienced by travellers who are being refused quotations for motor insurance; and the steps he proposes to take to rectify this situation.

Minister for Industry and Commerce (Mr. O'Malley)

I am conscious of the difficulties which problems in obtaining motor insurance cover can cause in particular cases. Because of these difficulties and the awareness of the problems that can arise, arrangements exist within the insurance industry to assist in such situations.

Motor insurers have advised my Department that there is no question of their discriminating against members of the travelling community in terms of the availability of motor insurance. The Irish Insurance Federation have stated that their information service provides assistance to motorists, including members of the travelling community, having difficulties in obtaining cover. Such insurance is available through the declined cases committee. This committee, established under the declined cases agreement, is comprised of representatives of the authorised motor insurance companies. It examines cases referred to it where motorists have been declined cover by five or more insurance companies, and nominates a company to quote for the risk involved. Before a case can be submitted to this committee for consideration it is necessary to approach and obtain written letters of refusal from five insurance companies. These should then be referred to the Irish Insurance Federation, Russell House, Russell Court, St. Stephen's Green, Dublin 2 indicating the order in which they were approached together with details of any previous insurance held in the last three years.