Michael McDowell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I support this Bill, the concept of community rating and whatever is necessary to strengthen community rating. The Leader mentioned on the Order of Business that car insurance premiums were coming down. I have a different experience. I had €150 extra loaded onto mine for no reason. When I checked it out with my broker, the broker said he would ring up the insurance company, and it promptly took €100 of the €150 off it. I think gouging is happening and I am afraid the Leader is out of touch. I fully accept what Senator Gallagher said. We have to have a health system whereby the consumer is entitled to shop around to get a decent bargain. We also need a bit of good faith from the insurance industry, such that it does not just rely on inertia to get a few more euro out of people who are not in a position to and are reluctant to change horses.