Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Deputy. Fraudsters, gangsters and chancers should not be rewarded through fraudulent claims. That is wrong. The insurance companies need to challenge such claims and should not pay out until they are fully satisfied that a claim is genuine. It is a priority of the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Flanagan, to proceed with establishing the judicial appointments council and the Garda fraud unit, a recommendation made in my Department's report. There are a number of approaches; the problem will not be fixed, with just one solution. Several things are happening concurrently. The Government is satisfied that when all of the different items of legislation are passed and enacted, they will make a difference. We are doing everything we can because the Deputy is right - people who claim fraudulently should not be rewarded. However, we have to find a balance with the needs of those with genuine claims. It is all about finding a solution that will not impact negatively on those who do deserve compensation.

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