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Dáil
‹ An tOrd Gnó - Order of Business

Young driver's insurance quote

Summary

Deputy Donnelly highlighted a 21-year-old's extremely high insurance quote despite a clean record. The Taoiseach called the cost shocking and said the programme for government would tackle insurance reform on multiple fronts.

The programme for Government includes a section on insurance reform and an acknowledgement of the massive costs of insurance and their impact on businesses and motorists. There is a specific reference on page 28 to the expected impact of increased premium levels. I want to tell the Taoiseach about a constituent of mine who contacted me over the weekend. He is 21 years of age and has a full driving licence with no penalties or associated convictions whatsoever. His insurance quote is a staggering €4,450. We are not talking about a Subaru Impreza or a high-powered car here; the insurance is for a van which the young man needs for his work, which is at a small business that is looking to expand. Unfortunately, that is the quote he has been given. Can the Taoiseach give an assurance to this young man and to the thousands of young people who are looking to the Government for help and support with their car insurance? The price my constituent is being asked to pay is absolutely appalling.

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I agree with the Deputy that it is a shocking cost. It is not sustainable for a young man going into business to take a cost like that on board. Such costs militate against young people becoming entrepreneurs, getting into business and going out to work. The programme for Government sets out a multipronged approach to dealing with insurance, both on the personal injuries side and in terms of making sure there is fair competition. We will be tackling the insurance issue on a number of fronts.

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