asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy if he is satisfied that motor insurance is available at a competitive rate; if his attention has been drawn to the sharp increase in the cost of such insurance; and if he will have the component parts of the rise in the price reviewed.

I am satisfied that motor insurance is available at present at rates which are competitive. Over the years increases in rates have had to be allowed to compensate for the higher costs of meeting claims for damages under motor insurance policies.

I can assure the Deputy that the component parts of the price rises sought are reviewed when each individual application for permission to increase rates is being examined.

Can the Minister tell the House whether there is any application at present for a further increase in motor insurance?

That is a separate question.

I thought it was relevant.

I am sorry, Deputy, I do not have that information here.

Is the Minister aware of the widespread practice and belief amongst car insurers that, in the event of accidents, the position is that the cost of repairs seems to be inordinately high when it is known that it is an insurance case? Has the Minister's Department made any inquiries in an effort to curb this practice which I am sure is only confined to a minority of unscrupulous garage dealers?

Complaints have been made and they are being inquired into.

What is the nature of the inquiry and when will the result of it be to hand?

The inquiry is being made to discover whether the claims made stand up to investigation. If they do, as far as the Department have any control we will ensure that such things do not recur.

Is any consideration being given to the standardisation of repair costs so that people who are covered by insurance will have some sort of criteria by which to judge costs?

Not at present.