Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We will support the motion on the understanding that we will receive a full and detailed briefing before the debate on Thursday. These amendments seem to be innocuous at first glance but, on closer inspection, the period in which one may make a claim will be reduced from two months to one. In the case of genuine claimants, there may be reasons for providing for the longer period. We need to hear both sides of the argument on this matter.

I am somewhat concerned about the retention of CCTV footage and the requirement to notify a defendant. There is an issue with the retention of the data and general data protection regulation, GDPR, is quoted in this context. I would be extremely disappointed if GDPR became the go-to reason in the public service and other situations for limiting information and access thereto.

Before the matter is discussed in greater detail, I would like us to get a note or a briefing in advance. I know the civil servants are busy and, therefore, a note will suffice in order that we can examine what is proposed and seek legal advice on it. These changes are significant and the Dáil has not had an opportunity to discuss them. They need to be examined in the light of honest claimants - for example, a person who is injured in a genuine accident and who must then make an insurance claim or someone whose car is badly damaged in an accident and who makes a genuine claim - and how their access to the court and their experience in court may be affected. We must also deal with the issue of fraudulent claims. As has been stated, it is astonishing that while we frequently read about fraudulent claims in the newspapers, there is never any follow-up or prosecution. If people are bold enough or criminally minded enough to make what judges describe as fraudulent claims, why is no subsequent action taken against them? It is important to state that most people are honest and the claims they make are honest. Insurers' profits are significant or, for most of the insurance cycle, extremely significant because premiums are high. We need more information about this and I would like it to be supplied to Deputies before we discuss these matters in greater detail.

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