Imelda Munster (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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89. To ask the Minister for Finance his plans to improve value for money and cover for motorists seeking car insurance, given the recent unprecedented and unjustified hikes in premiums and the difficulty many persons are experiencing in obtaining insurance cover. [15622/16]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. Neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products. The EU framework for insurance expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products. The provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks.

The question of the cost of insurance is a complex one involving a number of Government Departments, State Bodies and private sector organisations and while the provision and the pricing of insurance policies is a commercial matter for insurance companies, this does not preclude the Government from introducing measures that may, in the longer term, lead to a better claims environment that could facilitate a reduction in claims costs.

My Department has embarked on a review of policy in the insurance sector which is being undertaken in consultation with the Central Bank and other Departments and Agencies. The objective of the Review is to recommend measures to improve the functioning and regulation of the insurance sector.

The first phase of the Review is focussed on the motor insurance compensation framework and this work is nearing completion. The next phase of the Review involves examining the factors contributing to the increasing cost of insurance and identifying what short-term measures can be introduced to help reduce the cost of insurance for consumers and businesses.  Work on the Review of Policy in the Insurance sector will continue over the coming months.

I would also add that Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. In the event that a person is unable to obtain a quotation for motor insurance or feels that the premium proposed or the terms are so excessive that it amounts to a refusal to give them motor insurance, they should contact Insurance Ireland, 5 Harbourmaster Place, IFSC, Dublin 1, Telephone +353 1 6761820 quoting the Declined Cases Agreement.