Seanad debates
Thursday, 20 November 2003
Personal Injuries Assessment Board Bill 2003: Second Stage.
Unlike some other Senators, I believe it is too simple to blame it all on the legal profession. After the events of 11 September 2001, insurance companies took the opportunity to jack-up insurance bills by enormous amounts. I run a farm with my brother and I remember in the middle of the last general election getting a bill for insuring outbuildings on the farm. I forget the exact premium for the previous year but it was roughly in the order of €800, but the premium for that year had suddenly increased to €6,000. Naturally, one is under pressure during an election campaign and I literally hit the roof. There was no way I was going to pay that amount. We succeeded in negotiating with another firm, by bringing together different types of insurance, a much more reasonable amount, but not everybody has that option. I am not satisfied this issue has been discussed nearly enough.
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