Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the witnesses from both organisations.

Several weeks ago Aviva insurance wrote to its customers by e-mail in which it stated Ireland has the highest claim award levels in Europe. It pointed out the average pay out for whiplash in Ireland is €15,000 while it is €3,000 in Italy and Spain and €5,000 in the UK and that 80% of motor injury claims relate to whiplash in Ireland compared to 3% in France which adds €130 to the cost of every premium. From the board’s experience of dealing with thousands of claims every year, how do Aviva’s claims stack up with its evidence?