Darren O'Rourke (Meath East, Sinn Fein)
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285. To ask the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that some insurance companies apply a loading on policy premiums of cardiac first responder volunteers who notify them that they use their private car in the course of their volunteering role; if he plans to address same; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4486/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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At the outset, I wish to acknowledge the valuable service provided by Cardiac First Responder (CFR) volunteers throughout the country. However, it is important to note that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter which individual companies assess on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).

Notwithstanding this, my officials contacted Insurance Ireland, the representative body for the insurance industry, to seek further information on this specific matter.  While unable to discuss the underwriting criteria of individual members, it has advised that in general, a material change in the use of a vehicle may lead to a different premium being applied. Insurance Ireland stated that this can reflect different risk classifications, and that customers should discuss the matter with their insurance provider.

According to Insurance Ireland, its members in the main fully acknowledge the important role their CFR customers play and generally do not apply a loading to a private motor policy for these cohorts of volunteers, provided they are not receiving a payment for this service. However, I understand from Insurance Ireland that the approach taken by each insurer is on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration, for example, the amount of driving experience an individual has, whether any advance driver training has been undertaken, the age and condition of the vehicle, etc.

Finally, it is understood from Insurance Ireland that while this generally applies for normal use of the vehicle, any non-standard use of the vehicle, for example, an actual mountain rescue that involves driving off-road, would not fall under this general rule, and should be discussed directly with the individual insurer.

In conclusion, it may be useful for the Deputy to know that Insurance Ireland operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to insurance. This can be contacted atfeedback@insuranceireland.eu.