John Curran (Dublin Mid West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I again raise the issue of the high cost of motor and public liability insurance premiums in this country. This has been the subject of numerous debates in this House. There have been committee reports and action plans. I acknowledge the work done by Government to date, which has had some effect in reducing costs with regard to payouts and so forth. There is a lot more to be done, particularly the establishment of the council to deal with the whole area of fraudulent claims. The Irish Hotels Federation has indicated that the annual cost to the sector is €70 million. That works out at €1,150 per bedroom. It is an enormous sum of money. The Minister answered questions on this issue earlier today and he specifically said the Government cannot set the premiums. I do not want the Minister to do so, but I want him to listen to this very carefully. As we take action, there is no indication that the benefit of that action is being passed on to those paying the premiums. I want the Government to carry out a thorough review of the insurance industry to ensure that competitive practice exists, that there is no collusion, and that no cartel-type practices are occurring. If the Government does not do so, and if the steps we are taking do not result in a reduction of premiums, then we are wasting our time. We are working diligently, as are the Minister and the Minister of State with responsibility for this sector, yet the premiums are not coming down-----

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