Michelle Mulherin (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The 2014 data for insurance company income and for personal injury, motor and liability claims provide the stark bigger picture. We can talk about fraudulent claims and so on, but the figures in question show that insurance company income on the motor and liability side was €1.4 billion in 2014. The court records show that €169 million was paid out in court awards and €166 million was paid out through the Injuries Board. We need to allow for administrative costs and for the fact that the State does not have to take out insurance. If I am suing the State, I am aware that it is self-insured. The figures that arise when someone trips on county council property or whatever do not enter into this equation. If we allow for administration costs, that brings the total on one side to approximately €400 million. This means that insurance companies have income of €1 billion net of claims that might be taken against them. I think we have to begin there. I know there has been some discussion in relation to the model. This is gravely serious. A small pub with a late licence is being absolutely crucified when it comes to public liability. I know that lots of cases have been cited here. Every good motorist is carrying a burden. For restaurants and many other premises, it is more than 70% in the case of public liability on account of claims.