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

I welcome the initiative that has been taken with the working group. The Minister realises the seriousness of the situation. It affects not just individual motorists but is also a major issue for the economy. Transport is a key input cost for the business community and insurance is a central element of that. There are much wider issues in the insurance industry that must be addressed but the focus here, quite correctly, is on motor insurance premiums. The increases of 70% over a three year period are putting people off the road. There is no denying that. It simply must be addressed. The Minister will have the support of Fianna Fáil when it comes to implementing measures that will make a tangible difference in tackling this issue. It must be a serious political priority. I realise that the Minister is giving the matter much of his personal time. I ask him to continue to do that. He can be assured of our support for any measure required in the House that is designed to tackle the premium hikes.

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