Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 153: To ask the Minister for Transport if he will make a statement regarding the lack of financial incentives for safe driving offered by motor insurance companies. [32723/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Motor insurance is provided in an open and competitive market. Consumers can exert their influence by seeking several quotes and comparing costs, before purchasing. The primary incentive offered by insurance companies for safe driving lies within the No-Claims Bonus system which enables a driver to secure a reduction in premium for a given number of years of claims-free driving. The Irish Insurance Federation, along with individual insurance companies, has contributed substantially over the years to promote road safety through highly visible TV road safety awareness campaigns. In the current year, the Irish Insurance Federation has also assisted in the distribution of the Rules of the Road to every household in the country.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 154: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether consumers have the right to know the reason an insurance company refuses to issue a quote or refuses to renew a policy; and if there is legal provision in legislation to ensure same. [32724/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Motor insurance is provided as a private contract between the supplier and the customer. There is no legal provision to compel an insurance company to reveal the reason a quote was refused.

However, in practice, where a quote is refused or is considered to be so exorbitant as being tantamount to a refusal, there is a Declined Cases Agreement in place, operated by the Irish Insurance Federation, whereby a quote can be secured. There has been a marked reduction in recent years in the number cases seeking the assistance of this agreement.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 155: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether organisations representing youth and consumer interests should be given the same input into policy and equal representation on statutory structures concerning motor insurance as those representing the insurance industry. [32725/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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There are no specific statutory structures concerning motor insurance. Motor insurance is provided in an open and competitive market where both youth and consumer interests can exert their influence by seeking several quotes and comparing costs, before purchasing. Motor insurance companies, similar to other financial bodies, are regulated by the Financial Regulator.

Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)
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Question 156: To ask the Minister for Transport his views on whether there is a need for more transparency and accountability regarding the way motor insurance companies calculate insurance premiums. [32726/07]

Noel Dempsey (Meath West, Fianna Fail)
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Motor Insurance is provided in an open and competitive market. Premiums are calculated to meet the perceived risk. Factors such as age, gender, size of vehicle, use of vehicle and driving history are taken into account. The methods used by insurance companies to calculate premiums for motor insurance are matters within the commercial remit. Motor insurance companies are regulated by the Financial Regulator.