Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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267. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the false figures for the number of Garda breath tests having had an impact on the rising cost of car insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20004/17]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the recent public revelation that the number of roadside drink-driving breathalyser tests undertaken nationally between 2011 and early 2016 has been exaggerated by An Garda Síochána.  However, I am not aware of any evidence that shows these exaggerated numbers have had an impact on the increases that have been seen in the general cost of motor insurance.  Indeed, since the revelation has been made public, CSO figures show that motor insurance costs have levelled month on month since the start of this year.

As part of a Inter-Departmental review of policy in the insurance sector, I established the Cost of Insurance Working Group, chaired by Minister of State Eoghan Murphy T.D.  Its recent report on the cost of motor insurance found that the recent increases in motor insurance premiums were due to a number of factors including a cross-industry re-balancing process following a period when premiums were widely under-priced, growth in the frequency and cost of settling claims, and a significant rise in the levels of reserves set aside for claims expected to be paid in the future.  For more information on this matter the Deputy should review Chapter 3 of the Report see the following link..

Niamh Smyth (Cavan-Monaghan, Fianna Fail)
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268. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will review the case of a person (details supplied); his plans to help persons with the rising cost of motor insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20019/17]

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, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept.  This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which 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.  Consequently, I am not in a position to review individual cases nor to direct insurance companies as to the pricing level that they should apply to particular categories of individuals. 

However, I do accept that it is possible for the State to play a role in helping to stabilise the market and deal with factors contributing to the cost of insurance.  Consequently, I established the Cost of Insurance Working Group and appointed Minister of State Eoghan Murphy as Chair.  The Report on the Cost of Motor Insurance was published in January 2017.  It contains 33 recommendations and 71 actions which are detailed in an action plan contained in the Report with agreed timelines for implementation.

Finally, the Deputy should note that Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance.  Insurance Ireland can be contacted at feedback@insuranceireland.eu or 01-6761914.