asked the Minister for Justice the number of convictions for driving without motor insurance in the years 1981, 1982, 1983 and up to September 1984.

Limerick East): The figures compiled by the Garda Síochána refer to all offences relating to compulsory vehicle insurance and accordingly include, for example, offences of failing to produce a certificate of insurance at a Garda station within the prescribed period of ten days as well as offences of having no insurance. On that basis the figures for 1981, 1982, and 1983 are 27,812; 38,209 and 49,883.

However, account must also be taken of cases where the charge was proved and an order made without conviction under the Probation and Offenders Act, figures for which were 4,854; 5,383 and 9,198 in the years mentioned.

Those figures are published in the Annual Crime Reports of the Commissioner which are available in the Library. I am informed that the 1984 report will be published shortly.

There is almost a 100 per cent increase in the first set of figures and just over 100 per cent in the second set which the Minister has given to us. Would the Minister agree that the increase in these figures indicate that the problems arise from the dramatic increase in insurance premiums? What steps does he propose to take to eliminate some of the factors such as litigation costs? When does he propose to bring in amending legislation as regards jury trials in civil cases?

That seems to be a seperate question. This is a statistical question.

(Limerick East): The increase in numbers may be due as the Deputy suggests, to the increase in insurance premiums but they are also due to increased Garda activity on the road traffic side and to the increased number of gardaí which we have had since 1981. Motor insurance is primarily a matter for the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism. I will be putting proposals to Government shortly which will affect jury trials in cases such as the Deputy mentioned.

Does the Minister agree that there is an element of self-financing in insurance schemes? Would the Minister agree that if more people paid insurance premium it would be possible to reduce the premium?

(Limerick East): For me to agree or disagree would be to express a private opinion. So far as motor insurance is concerned, the Garda are responsible for the enforcement of the law. I am responsible to the House for giving information about convictions. The main responsibility for motor insurance does not lie with the Department of Justice. If the Government decide to make a change from the jury trial system it would be my responsibility to bring in legislation but otherwise motor insurance is not the responsibility for the Minister for Justice.