Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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168. To ask the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that motor insurance providers have passed on in full the reductions to male drivers in view of the increases imposed on female drivers arising from the implementation of the gender directive; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39231/13]

Dominic Hannigan (Meath East, Labour)
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169. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department or any agency under the aegis of his Department has undertaken any review of the implementation of the Gender Directive in the motor insurance sector, to ascertain if the full savings have been passed onto male drivers; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39232/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 168 and 169 together.

At the outset, I would point out that the calculation of annual premium rates is a commercial decision for the insurance company in question. Neither I, as Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can require a company to change its rates or prohibit a company from doing so.

The Department of Finance or an agency under its aegis has not undertaken a review of the implementation of the Gender Directive in the motor insurance sector. I understand, however, that the National Consumer Agency has conducted a small scale tracking exercise which examined premiums charged to consumers. That Agency has advised that, given the size of the sample, the research is indicative and for internal purposes only.

The primary purpose of the recent amendment to the Equal Status Act is to provide in Irish law for the mandatory introduction within the EU of unisex premiums and benefits in insurance. As a result of the ruling, insurers will be expected to change how they price risk. The purpose of the amendment was not to make savings, per se.

While the exact movement in premiums is difficult to predict, the European Commission intends to monitor the evolution of the insurance market and of overall price levels post-December 2012. The Commission has not ruled out taking appropriate action in the event of anti-competitive conduct by insurance providers.