Aindrias Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have repeatedly discussed the high cost of motor insurance with the Minister of State, as have many of my colleagues. I am delighted that the Rural Independent Group has tabled this motion. We will amend it, and I am delighted to pursue the Minister of State on this matter. Fianna Fáil has been calling for action in this regard for a long time. There have been dramatic increases in premia since 2014. While CSO figures have suggested a slight decrease in recent months, that cannot be taken to mean "problem solved". The Government must keep the pressure on, as there has really been only a small levelling off when the 50% increase since 2014 is taken into consideration.

I will focus on an issue that has been repeatedly raised with me in my constituency, that being, how there is a different rate for city and county. The city is considered a greater risk, making for a higher rate of insurance. Cork people, particularly around the edge of the city where there is a proposal to extend the boundary, such as in Carrigrohane, Model Farm Road and parts of Ballincollig, are worried that insurance companies will seize on the boundary extension to increase motorists' insurance premia. In no way should that be tolerated. People should not be taken advantage of if the extension were to happen.

A range of recommendations were made in the committee's report, which has been published for a year. The publication in the past 15 days of the quarterly report has indicated that we are slipping behind and not delivering on a number of those recommendations. There is an ongoing investigation by European authorities into potential collusion in the industry and some 70% of claims are still being settled out of court and out of sight. It is almost as if the insurance companies have no appetite to do their business in open court. That cannot be tolerated. The Government needs to show greater urgency and energy in implementing the report's various recommendations in the interests of motorists around the country who have endured phenomenal increases in their insurance premia since 2014. Any slackening off now because there has been a small decrease in insurance premia should not be tolerated. The Government needs to hammer it home and ensure that all of the recommendations are followed through, as there have been too many delays.

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