Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)

I thank the Deputy for once again raising this issue and giving me an opportunity to put on record the work that has been done by this Government and the previous Government and the work that is ongoing and, indeed, to thank him for his advocacy in this area. The Government remains fully committed to delivering a fairer, more transparent and affordable insurance market. Substantial progress has been made under the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2020–2025, which we are building on, and we are finalising a new action plan for 2025 to 2029. This will include a number of targeted actions across a number of key themes. A key focus of our reform agenda has been on addressing personal injury costs, which historically accounted for about 70% of overall motor insurance claims costs. Thanks to the introduction of the personal injuries guidelines and related reforms, that figure has moved closer to a 50:50 split between injury and material damage. This significant shift has helped shield Ireland from the full extent of global inflationary pressures in the motor insurance sector.

To put this in perspective, from 2016 to 2024, motor insurance premiums increased proportionally by approximately 65% in the United Kingdom and by around 20% across the eurozone. In contrast, Ireland saw a 34.3% proportional reduction in the average motor insurance premium over that same period. This reflects the impact of sustained reform and a co-ordinated, cross-government approach. These reforms are supported by the national claims information database, which continues to enhance transparency and help identify cost drivers. The forthcoming action plan will build on this progress, identifying greater accountability and transparency in pricing practices and promoting consumer trust. My officials also work closely with the Department of justice on the proposed amendments to the personal injuries guidelines and the Deputy will be aware that the decision taken that they will be laid before the Houses, as required, but that they will not be approved. Our aim remains clear: to support a competitive and sustainable insurance market that delivers fairer outcomes for consumers, businesses and communities across the country.

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