97 Mr. G. Reynolds asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that persons of 17 years of age are unable to obtain motor insurance; the measures in place to protect young drivers and ensure that they receive motor insurance; her plans to review these procedures; and if she will make a statement on the matter in view of all the reviews. [9923/02]

I am aware of the difficulties being experienced by young persons in their efforts to obtain motor insurance. The pricing and underwriting of insurance is a matter for individual insurance companies and European Union law prevents me or our Department from intervening in relation to the matter of premium levels or in respect of what risks insurance companies are prepared to underwrite. Insurers make decisions on provision of cover based on their assessment of that particular risk.