Clare Daly (Dublin Fingal, Independent)
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650. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his views on car insurance companies discriminating on grounds of profession, age and gender regarding excessive charges for annual insurance cover. [15056/16]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​My role in the matter of motor insurance relates to legislation under the EU Motor Insurance Directives and the Road Traffic Acts. The primary requirement of in these is that the driver of a vehicle is covered by third party insurance. I have no role regarding the legal framework for insurance regulation, or for the regulation of insurance companies, which are matters for my colleagues, the Minister for Finance, and the Central Bank, respectively.

While I am, of course, concerned with recent trends towards increasing motor insurance costs, motor insurance is provided by private companies in an open and competitive market, and pricing is a matter for the industry. 

It is advisable for people seeking motor insurance to shop around as the costs can vary dramatically. Some insurers and brokers specialise in certain areas, for example young drivers or vintage vehicles.

Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. If a person is unable to obtain a quotation for motor insurance, or feels that the premium proposed is so excessive that it amounts to a refusal to provide insurance, they should contact Insurance Ireland, 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, Tel: 01 6761820, emailiis@insuranceireland.eu quoting the Declined Cases Agreement. This Agreement exists to facilitate motorists to meet their obligation to have third party liability motor insurance.