Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for his flexibility in allowing me to take Deputy Martin Kenny's question. The question relates to the cost of car insurance, an issue we have been debating in the House for some time. The question is specifically about returned emigrants. The Minister will have heard that many people are thinking of returning home, and it is great to have them return home, but they are being completely fleeced by the insurance industry because they have lost their no-claims bonus. Despite the fact that they might have been driving in this country for ten years claim-free, if they are gone for two years and have have not driven in another jurisdiction they lose their no-claims bonus and they are faced with massive increases in their insurance premiums, with quotes as high as €5,000. Does the Minister plan to take action to encourage and allow such emigrants to come home and drive safely on the roads?

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