Maureen O'Sullivan (Dublin Central, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will just look at motor insurance and will refer to a reply from the Minister to a parliamentary question in which he said that there was no silver bullet to reduce the costs of insurance. He acknowledged the volatility in the market and then said that co-operation and commitment between all parties can deliver fairer premiums for consumers without unnecessary delay. I welcome the report of the working group and the recommendations, actions and timeline, but we are not seeing any action on it. What we are seeing is life becoming very difficult for motorists, in particular in Dublin. The increase in the insurance costs is just another factor in that.

I want to look at particular groups, which Deputy Boyd Barrett mentioned. Taxi drivers use their cars to make a living. I have numerous constituents who are taxi drivers and they tell me they cannot afford to work. Their taxis are off the road because of the huge increase in insurance. These are taxi drivers who have completed all the tests. They are adhering to very stringent standards, including the NCT and public service yearly checks. They are dealing with increasing anti-social behaviour on the part of some customers. They are providing a service and are being crippled by the rise. I have seen increases of insurance up to over €10,000.

For pensioners, some insurers make the cost of insurance so high for them that they are forced to give up their cars. These pensioners use their cars for mobility, for their independence and for leisure activities and their children depend on them to bring their grandchildren to various activities. Now they are not able to drive because of the increase, which will increase their isolation and dependence. I have one constituent, aged 70, with 20 years no claim bonus, who faced a 70% increase. This will mean she has to rely on her neighbours to do the chores she could have done herself. We also have families who rely on their cars and who are being crippled by these insurance costs.

I also mention these foreign-registered companies that go into liquidation, the policyholders being left in difficult situations and the industry footing the bill. It is really the customers having to pay the exorbitant increases, so I do not understand this collective liability. There is a need for a central EU database to ensure common standards. People are turning to companies based outside Ireland and I think there could be disastrous consequences. It is their right to make this choice, but I think they need to know the risks involved. We are also aware of the discrepancy between what the insurance industry is saying and the legal profession we are paying, but in the middle is the customer who is paying the price.

I am aware of a very disturbing situation relating to house insurance for a person with a disability. There are extremely aggressive policies from the insurer, backed by a US vulture fund investor that has taken over the insurance. I hope the debate will lead to some action because that will speak louder than words.

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