52 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps being taken to address the exorbitant insurance costs for young drivers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7446/02]

55 Mr. R. Bruton asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the reason for the delay in the publication of the Motor Insurance Advisory Body's study of the unfair loadings which are being placed on young drivers and certain other categories of driver by the motor insurance companies; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7650/02]

58 Mr. Haughey asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the efforts she is making to reduce high motor insurance premiums for young drivers; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [7822/02]

61 Mr. Spring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment the steps she proposes to take to ensure that the insurance industry makes every effort to reduce costs which are causing hardship for private and commercial insurers in view of the escalation in costs of motor insurance and consequential increases for transport authorities. [7825/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 52, 55, 58 and 61 together.

The pricing and underwriting of insurance is a matter for insurance companies themselves. EU law prevents me from intervening in the pricing or underwriting of insurance.

I am aware that motor insurance premiums for young drivers are high and that premiums generally have increased in 2001 and 2002. Insurers have attributed these increases to the high cost of settling claims in Ireland, the general reduction in investment returns, recent court decisions that necessitate increased claims reserves and costs to reinsurers of the events of 11 September last.