James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Thompson. I have questions about motor insurance. The opening statement outlines the situation for returning immigrants. I have raised this issue with the Minister. It seems very unfair that someone who has driven abroad with a full clean licence for a period of time, be it elsewhere in the European Union or elsewhere, is back to square one when he or she returns home. I have engaged on the issue previously and know that the delegates are aware of it. They have said they have put methodologies in place. What is the next step? Is it up to the Department to take it? I ask for clarification on the issue.

Another point is that the cost of motor insurance for younger people in particular is astronomical and prohibitive. I imagine this has been well-aired in many hearings. My colleagues possibly raised the point before I came in. It seems very unfair.

We all remember when we were at the age of getting our first cars. It was difficult to get on the road. The difficulty now, however, seems to be of a magnitude or order that puts it out of reach. Moreover, unfortunately, our public transport is not what it needs to be in many parts of the country and it is not an option for many young people. They need a car to get to work, college or to their first job. What can be done? We could spend all day and all night on the subject. Is there any light on the horizon?

My next question relates to motor insurance as well. It goes back to the discussion on fraud and accommodating fraud. A Deputy hears many interesting and shocking stories from his constituency. People come to me with all manner of different revelations. I had a conversation with someone in the vehicle disposal industry. One issue was raised as being rife, namely, the practice of cars involved in collisions or accidents being used. Different categories are designated, including cars deemed recoverable and repairable. I think the categories were designated A, B, C and D. Some cars may be at end-of-life stage.

Let us suppose a car is considered to be sufficiently damaged that it is not worth repairing. The insurance company would pay out for a replacement car. That may make things better for the claimant but it may drive up the cost as well. The person I spoke to was concerned that some of those cars are re-entering the market through the back door. These cars could have been involved in fatal collisions. All manner of terrible damage could have been done to a car and it may not be obvious. What if those cars are back on the road 12 months later?

The argument was made for a certified end-of-life facility where these vehicles would go. They would be registered and off the road once and for all. The chassis numbers would be logged and so on. Some insurers were looking at the idea and thinking of going down that road while others were not so keen. Clarity on that question would be helpful, if possible.