Danny Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too thank Deputy Doherty and Sinn Féin for giving us the opportunity to talk about this very important matter, as we did on several occasions in the previous Dáil, yet we are still where we are. A 70-year old woman received a quote for more than €800 when she went to renew her insurance last year. Her son rang the same company to see what was the matter. He was a big customer as he had a lot of vehicles. He was asked if she was actually his mother. They gave her the insurance for €370 after. Can one imagine that? It was almost €500 of a difference.

Young drivers are paralysed before they get on the road at all. What is happening is very wrong. They are being charged €3,000 to €5,000 for their first insurance after doing all their driving lessons. It is very clear what is happening to taxis, commercial drivers, passenger buses, hauliers, pubs, restaurants and hotels. There is not enough competition. Not since Seán Quinn are we getting a fair crack of the whip for insurance.

When it comes to the cost of claims, it has been said that the people of Ireland must have brass necks, but I say they have gold necks because a whiplash in Ireland costs approximately €70,000 while in the UK it is €7,000. What is the difference in the necks here and the necks there? The difference is that we are paying more for the insurance. We are paying through the neck for it. What is happening is very wrong. I appeal to the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, to do something. I have one worry about Deputy Doherty's Bill, which I will support. Will the insurance companies listen? Will they bring down the cost of insurance if we get rid of differential pricing or will they put it up? That is my worry.

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