Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am glad to have the opportunity to talk about this issue. There has been a great deal of talk about the cost of insurance since I came to the House. Costs still have not been reduced. It is unbelievable to think that a perfectly good driver who is 70 years of age has had her insurance costs more than double from €330 to €780. Why should a young person who goes through the rigorous driving test process and onto the road for the first time be penalised and quoted as much as €6,000 for insurance?

I know a young man with third party insurance who crossed a road and ruined his new car. He had no redress, and cried on the road because he was going to work for the first time. He will be unable to insure his car or buy another. The cost of insurance is unbelievable.

The costs for hauliers have tripled. What is happening? Is there any control in the country? I have said that we as a Parliament or the Government should be able to take command of the situation and ensure that people get fair play because that is not what they are getting at the moment.

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