Dáil debates

Tuesday, 1 June 2021

Judicial Council (Amendment) Bill 2021: Second Stage [Private Members]

 

6:55 pm

Photo of Claire KerraneClaire Kerrane (Roscommon-Galway, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the opportunity to speak on this important legislation. I listened to the Minister of State. Despite, as he puts it, holding the insurance companies to account, nothing that has been done by the Government has reduced premiums. Premiums are still increasing. That is the problem. It is a great shame that we must constantly force the insurance companies to do the right thing when it comes to costs for customers. Worse, the Government fails to act on behalf of those customers the length and breadth of the State. Why has the Government not stepped in to ensure that the savings made by insurance companies through the reduction of up to 50% in awards are passed on to customers? That is the reason we have had to step in with this legislation.

For years, insurance companies have been ripping off customers with rising premiums, making it more difficult for young people to get on the road, especially in rural areas. On turning 18 years of age last year, my brother received quotes of more than €3,000. That was on top of tax of €700 or €800 and the cost of running a car. Unless a person has money, it is impossible to get on the road, particularly in rural areas where public transport is either non-existent or inconvenient. Insurance companies have been lining their pockets and will do so even more now that they are saving money on awards while increasing premiums for no other reason than they can. This legislation will put a halt to that.

I heard what the Minister of State said about this Bill tackling just one element, but at least it would reduce premiums, which is not happening right now, and that is the problem. The Bill will ensure that savings to the insurance companies are passed on to customers. It will give young people a chance to get on the road and allow them to get from A to B, be that to a job or college. It will help workers and families that are constantly seeing their costs increase, for example, rent, childcare fees and household bills. It will give them a break and a little bit of fairness in terms of the cost of living.

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.