Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

There are commitments in the programme for Government to tackle the overall cost of living. We are all aware of the extraordinary cost of car insurance for many, particularly young people. There have been increases of over 40% in some cases. I think it demands urgent intervention by the Government. It has been reported that an Oireachtas committee could recommend that drivers be able to access car insurance elsewhere in Europe, or that there be a European dimension to this issue. Obviously, strong regulatory provisions would be required in the interests of protection, etc. I put it to the Taoiseach that when this happened in the mid-2000s, there were dramatic reductions through the introduction of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board and the acceptance of the recommendations of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board. Will the Government introduce legislation to implement its commitments in the programme for Government? Will it take action to reduce car insurance costs dramatically?

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