Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The Taoiseach has confirmed what we all know, namely, that insurance premiums having skyrocketed by 70% between the years 2013 and 2016 are only now moderating. We all know that drivers, particularly younger drivers, have been locked out of obtaining insurance for a long time. The Taoiseach talks a good game but his claim that this has been a priority for Government is at odds with the facts. The Bill I mentioned came through the House in 2017 and the Government has actively blocked it by refusing to sign a money message for more than two years. The Bill then went out to a public consultation that was not necessary. It is only now, precisely because this issue is arising on the doorsteps, that the Government has very reluctantly agreed to move and to act on the legislation. This Bill is about revamping insurance contracts and introducing a very necessary level of transparency.

I ask the Taoiseach again, in the interests of consumers, fair competition and above all people who are still being fleeced by insurance premiums that are through the roof if he will commit to allow the passage of this legislation without further impediment, put his money where his mouth is and demonstrate by action, however belated, that this is a priority for Government.

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