Insurance claims costs and court delays
Flynn raised specialist fees and court backlogs as sources of difficulty for general insurers. Collins said he had no responsibility for legal fees or court delays, though he hoped measures to clear the backlog would succeed.
Is the Minister aware that approximately 18 per cent of all general insurance claims goes on fees to specialists and consultants? Is the Minister prepared to take the initiative in so far as improving the flow of legislative procedures in claims processing that exists, for example, the big backlog in the courts, and the whole question of fees——
Comment on this
Not in certain types of insurance claims. Would the Minister accept that these excessive fees and delays are causing difficulties for these general insurers?
Comment on this
The Deputy will appreciate that I have no responsibility in regard to fees in legal circles nor in relation to delays encountered in the courts. I would wish to see the backlog in the hearing of cases in courts resolved or eliminated. I understand that measures have been taken to eliminate the backlog. I hope this will be resolved some time this year, which is my understanding of the position.