Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I compliment the Rural Independent Group for bringing forward this motion. It is an issue which affects rural and urban areas, young and old, private motorists and SMEs. According to the CSO, while premia were reduced by 11% in 2017, since the start of 2012, premia have increased by 31%. No one has been more vocal on this particular issue than my colleague, Deputy Michael McGrath, who has brought forward many motions on it.

Since the publication of the report on the cost of motor insurance, the problem has not been alleviated in any shape or form. Young drivers always face large increases in their premia. That is if they are lucky enough to get a quotation in the first place. For over 12 months, Fianna Fáil has called for action on the rising cost of motor insurance. In 2014, motor insurance increased by an annual rate of 11.6%, while in 2015 it rose by almost 30%. In the 12 months since December 2016, private motor insurance increased by 12%. These are staggering figures.

It is no different for people in the SME sector. People in SMEs have many burdens when it comes to overheads. Insurance is one of the largest burdens they will carry. I agree with Deputy Michael McGrath that our insurance companies are not robust enough in investigating certain claims when they are made in the first place. Many business owners will find that a payment has been made without them being notified, questioned or even having the opportunity to put forward their case. That is wrong. As other Deputies said earlier, it is fraud at its worst.

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