Brendan Griffin (Kerry, Fine Gael)
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71. To ask the Minister for Finance if his Department will investigate a case in which an insurance company refused a new motor insurance policy to a person (details supplied) in County Kerry due to the fact their licence had been extended as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [56400/21]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, it is important to note that 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 intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products, or have the power to direct insurance companies to provide cover in such circumstances. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).

As the Deputy will appreciate, I cannot comment on or get involved in individual cases such as that referred to in his question. However, my officials reached out to Insurance Ireland for information regarding the issue of the validity of driving licences which have been extended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Insurance Ireland stated that it had received a query about the matter via its Insurance Information Service. I understand that an administrative error may have happened in this particular case and that the issue is being resolved. I believe this case underscores the usefulness of the Insurance Information Service, which is a free service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance cover. It can be accessed at feedback@insuranceireland.eu.

Insurance Ireland further noted that a number of its members put measures in place last year (which were recommitted to in January this year) to avoid such a situation given the backlog in licensing services due to COVID-19 lockdown restrictions, where people could not renew their licences through no fault of their own.

Finally, it is worth reiterating that where a consumer feels that they are being treated unfairly, they have the option of making a complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO). The FSPO is a statutory official who acts as an independent arbiter of disputes that consumers may have with their insurance company or other financial service provider. The FSPO can be contacted either by email at info@fspo.ie or by telephone at 01-567-7000.