Seanad debates
Wednesday, 5 November 2003
Insurance Industry Reform: Motion.
I was surprised to hear a Fine Gael Senator state that reforms are taking place, without accepting what the Government is doing. The Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, has implemented the penalty points system bringing about massive reductions in premiums over the last six months. Anyone denying that premium reductions are taking place is not living in the real world or is not telling the truth. Premium reductions are a reality in the market place. In a community centre with which I am involved there has been a 50% reduction in public liability insurance this year because we shopped around. The Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment was criticised recently for saying that consumers should shop around but that is the best way to get a price, apart from going back to one's previous supplier. If people shop around, they will get better value. For far too long, the insurance companies sent out their notices too late to allow one to shop around but the new Bill will ensure that people are given notice.
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