Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Insurance Industry.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

177 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason motor insurance rates and other forms of insurance cover, including public liability here, are considerably higher than in most other European countries; if she will indicate or identify the contributory factors; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20589/02]

The variety of underlying reasons in relation to insurance costs considered to be specific to the Irish market have been well aired in public by sources such as the Irish Insurance Federation, IBEC, the Law Society and the Bar Council. The report of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board dealt with this subject as well. My Department, in conjunction with the Competition Authority, will be undertaking a study about competition in the insurance sector, the result of which in due course should throw up further pointers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

178 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that some insurance companies are currently imposing an exclusion clause in respect of terrorist-related claims; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20590/02]

I am aware of the difficulties caused for companies in obtaining insurance cover for terrorism. EU law, however, precludes me from intervening in the underwriting decisions of insurers.

Bernard J. Durkan

Ceist:

179 Mr. Durkan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the prohibitive insurance premiums imposed on community groups operating sporting and recreational areas, including children's playgrounds; if she proposes any remedial action; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [20612/02]

On 25 October 2002 I announced my programme for fundamental insurance reform. The programme reflects the commitments given in the Agreed Programme for Government and comprises a comprehensive set of interrelated measures designed to improve the functioning of the Irish insurance market. The key measures include: establishment of a ministerial committee, chaired by me, to oversee implementation of the reform programme, including the 67 recommendations in the Motor Insurance Advisory Board, MIAB, report; publication of the action plan to give effect to the MIAB recommendations within a target time frame; establishment of the personal injuries assessment board, PIAB, on an interim basis, pending preparation of the necessary legislation to put the PIAB on a statutory footing; and publication of the report of the implementation group on the PIAB. While EU law precludes the imposition of price controls on insurance, I have made it clear that I expect a quid pro quo from the industry in response to my reform programme.

Question No. 180 answered with Question No. 110.

Barr
Roinn