Vol. 567 No. 1
369 Mr. Connolly asked the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he proposes to initiate legislation to deal with the widespread incidences of insurance fraud; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [13469/03]
An Agreed Programme for Government published by Fianna Fail and the Progressive Democrats includes commitments in relation to measures to deal with fraudulent claims. Substantial progress has been made on preparation of legislative proposals in this regard and I would hope to put these to Government shortly. Among my proposals will be a provision that certain forms of action will require the support of sworn affidavits so as to create liability in perjury for fraudulent claims and a provision to allow the courts to make orders to deal with those who make false and exaggerated claims.
Section 6 of the Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud Offences) Act 2001 makes it an offence for a person to dishonestly, with the intention of making a gain for himself or herself or another or of causing loss to another, by any deception induce another to do or refrain from doing an act. A person guilty of this offence is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or both.
