Séamus McGrath (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)
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400. To ask the Minister for Finance to examine the case for a review of the rules governing insurance premiums (details supplied). [11216/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Finance, I am responsible for the development of the legal and policy framework governing financial regulation. As the Deputy will appreciate, I am unable to comment on individual cases, nor can I intervene in disputes that individuals may have with an insurance provider, including in the one specified.

According to Insurance Ireland, in an open and highly competitive insurance market, each individual insurer will make its own independent decisions on pricing. Multiple rating factors make up the risk profile submission, which can include a third-party claim, even if the claim was later withdrawn, as an insurer may need to reserve for a possible settlement of the third-party claim once the liability dispute comes to an end. These factors will determine the level of premium to be issued subject to policy conditions and the circumstances presented to the insurance company.

In situations where a person is not satisfied with the service of an insurance provider, it is advisable that that person make a complaint to the firm's internal complaint resolution process. The Central Bank of Ireland’s Consumer Protection Code requires that if after 40 days the complaint has not been resolved to the customer’s satisfaction, the regulated entity must inform the consumer that they may refer their complaint to the Financial Services and Pensions Ombudsman (FSPO).

The FSPO is a statutory official who acts as an independent arbiter of disputes which 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. Investigations by the FSPO are free of charge to the complainant. In addition to this, II operates an Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance, which can be accessed at: feedback@insuranceireland.eu.