Seán Haughey
Ceist:159 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she is taking to reduce high motor insurance premiums for young drivers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26408/00]
Written Answers. - Motor Insurance.
The high cost of motor insurance in Ireland is directly attributable to the cost and frequency of claims incurred by insurance companies in settlement of claims following road accidents. This factor is especially relevant to young drivers whose adverse claims experience contributes to their consideration by motor insurance companies as a high risk category. The most recent road accident report published by the National Roads Authority for 1998 showed that 40% of drivers killed or seriously injured on Irish roads were between the ages of 18 and 34.
EU law prevents me from intervening directly with the insurance companies in the matter of premium levels or in respect of the risks they are prepared to underwrite.
It is abundantly clear that the primary focus of initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of motor insurance for young drivers must be on reducing the frequency of accidents and the subsequent claims. There are a number of such initiatives in place. For example, the Irish Insurance Federation, in conjunction with the driving instructors register, has introduced a scheme of insurance premium discounts for the learner driver, on completion of a required number of driving lessons. The National Safety Council, in co-operation with the Garda, continues to promote anti-speeding and anti-drink driving media campaigns. Greater attention to safety on the roads can further reinforce insurance cost reduction measures at Government level.
The work of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board is aimed at providing me with information and advice on trends in motor insurance costs and with policy recommendations for addressing those costs.
Finally, the most effective way of ensuring that the most competitive quotes are available to the Irish consumer is to have as many insurers as possible competing on the Irish market. It would appear that the implementation of EU legislation opening up the EU market to competition from authorised insurers in all EU member states has had a beneficial effect on competition in the Irish market.