Linda Nelson Murray (Fine Gael)

Today, we have seen a report from the Injuries Resolution Board that shows motor claims have fallen by a massive 30% since 2019. Motorists must justifiably be a bit fed up with high insurance costs. I will add another point that I raised two weeks ago, namely, that a Central Bank report showed that motor insurance premiums increased by 9% in the first half of last year. I have no doubt that we will see they will have increased for the second half of last year as well. Motor claims have dropped by 30% since 2019 despite a return to pre-pandemic traffic volumes, but we have seen premiums rise. In fact, there has been a 41% reduction in awards values in the six-year review period, which includes the period that the personal injury guidelines were introduced. Why have motorists not seen a reduction in their premiums?

Today's report also shows that more than €284 million was saved in avoided legal fees by claims being resolved through the injuries resolution process rather than through litigation. I have significant concerns about a recommendation from the Judicial Council that personal injury awards should be increased by almost 17% in the coming weeks. This increase will undoubtedly be passed on by insurers and the motorists, again, will end up picking up the tab.

It is also worth noting that there has been a significant reduction in claim volumes among the younger age groups. That is great to hear. However, younger people are paying astronomical premiums, which can be prohibitive for younger motorists who need to use their cars to get to work or college. In the programme for Government, there is a commitment to driving down insurance costs. We are all for that. The Government is playing its part. When will insurers play theirs? I call for the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, to come to the House for a debate on this issue and try to lower premiums.