Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I approach this debate from a rather different angle from that of other speakers. I have been directly affected by this issue since I started driving some seven years ago. The discriminatory practices rampant in the insurance industry over several years are no surprise to anybody at the receiving end. Ms Dorothea Dowling, the author of that splendid report from the Motor Insurance Advisory Board, confirmed what we already knew. As Senator Ross eloquently pointed out, young people were not even being quoted in many cases and in others the quotations were preconditioned in terms of a number of years driving experience with a no claims bonus. How can a young driver seeking a first quote possibly satisfy a precondition requiring three or four years accident free driving experience? Clearly, there were many issues involved.

When the board was established, it was regrettable that the Minister of State concerned at the time, Deputy Treacy, did not place it on a statutory basis. Consequently, witnesses were not compelled to attend and give evidence. In the absence of the insurance companies from that forum, the board still delivered a very detailed and wide ranging report. Not surprisingly, when the 67 recommendations were made public, the insurance companies raised their heads above the parapet and criticised various aspects. If they had such concerns, why did they not think it worthwhile to participate when invited to do so by the State?