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Motor Insurance Costs

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 January 2019

Tuesday, 15 January 2019

Ceisteanna (961)

Kevin O'Keeffe

Ceist:

961. Deputy Kevin O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on the future motor insurance premiums charged for learner drivers, be they car owners or users in view of the recent additions of amendments to the Road Traffic Acts; and the steps he will take with insurance companies for a reduction of these premiums. [1649/19]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

I presume that the recent changes to legislation relating to learner drivers, to which the Deputy is referring, are those included in the Road Traffic (Amendment) Act 2018 which were commenced before Christmas. These changes involve two measures. The first is a provision to hold accountable owners of vehicles who allow unaccompanied learners to drive their vehicles. The second extends the existing Garda power to detain vehicles in certain circumstances by adding the circumstance where the driver is an unaccompanied learner.

I do not see how either of these should negatively affect the cost of motor insurance. It is already a criminal offence for a learner to drive unaccompanied, and has been since 2007. The new measures in question are intended to increase Garda enforcement powers in this area and act as a deterrent to the highly dangerous practice of learners driving unaccompanied. As such, the new measures should make our roads safer.

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