Perjury Bill and insurance
Deputy Troy questioned why the Perjury and Related Offences Bill, intended to improve insurance claims integrity, had not yet been brought to the Dáil. The Minister said the Bill would be enacted and urged Deputy Troy to help secure its passage quickly.
The problem of insurance for many businesses has been mentioned in earlier contributions. Senator Ó Céidigh brought forward a Bill, the Perjury and Related Offences Bill 2018, and it has passed through the Seanad. This will ensure that claimants are under an obligation to tell the whole truth, and if they do not there will be serious consequences. The Government has indicated its willingness to accept that Bill and bring it into the Dáil, but that has yet to happen. Last night the Dáil business finished at 7.45 p.m. and it was scheduled to run until 10.30 p.m. What is the delay and why is the Government failing to prioritise insurance reform? There is legislation there. The Government has indicated that it would facilitate the passage of this legislation in the Dáil, and yet we are still waiting to see that happen. When can we expect to have that legislation in the House? It will not alleviate the problem but it will help deal with some of the fictitious claims that are out there at present.
Comment on this
I am very pleased that this Bill will be enacted. I spoke to Senator Ó Céidigh last week, and I appeal to Deputy Troy that, when the matter comes before the House in the next few weeks, we can rely on his full co-operation to ease its passage through the House at the earliest opportunity. I expect that with the-----
Comment on this
Bringing the Bill into the House would be a start.
Comment on this
I expect that with the co-operation of Deputy Troy, we can have this Bill on the Statute Book by the end of this term.