Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I share the Deputy's concern over the very high cost of insurance and the arbitrary nature, often without evidence, of premium increases, often where there have been no claims. From my perspective, as Minister of Justice and Equality, there are two areas, in particular, where I can act. The first concerns the Judicial Council Bill and the setting up of a judicial council, one of whose functions will be to introduce guidelines to assist the court. I expect to have the amendments published within a couple of weeks. I appeal to Opposition parties in the Dáil to assist the Government in ensuring the enactment of the legislation prior to the summer recess.

The other area within my remit, raised by Deputy O'Reilly, concerns the matter of insurance fraud. Again, this is an issue I have discussed with An Garda Síochána. I am satisfied there is an expert team within An Garda Síochána dealing with this issue. I appeal to the insurance companies to assist in the provision of evidence to the Garda to ensure these issues can be tackled to a greater extent. I advise Members of the House that any fraud is a crime and is treated as such.

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