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Dáil Éireann - Volume 192 - 22 November, 1961 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Motor Insurance Premiums. Mr. Cosgrave Mr. Cosgrave 31. Mr. Cosgrave asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware of the public concern at the proposed further increase in motor insurance premiums; and if he will hold an enquiry into the matter. Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch 568 Mr. J. Lynch: I have been notified by the insurance companies of their proposal to increase motor insurance [568] premiums, and I have asked the companies to furnish me with a detailed statement of the considerations which necessitate an increase in the existing premium rates. I am not in a position to make any further statement in the matter at present. Mr. S. Collins Mr. S. Collins Mr. S. Collins: While the Minister is awaiting that report, will he ensure that the insurance companies will not impose these penal tariffs? Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch: If the Deputy read the announcement of the insurance companies, he would know that there is only one tariff. There is no question of preventing the insurance company in the meantime. That does not arise. Mr. S. Collins Mr. S. Collins Mr. S. Collins: If the normal time spent on an operation of this kind by the Minister's Department is taken, it will be months before anything is done. Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch: The Deputy has not had much experience of my Department, if he thinks that is so. I have had no query. Mr. N. Lemass Mr. N. Lemass Mr. N. Lemass: Is the Minister aware that the proposed increase on Class 1 insurance represents an increase of 30 per cent., and in the Class 3 category, it represents an increase of 45 per cent? Will the Minister give details of how these increases are justified under each class heading? Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch: I have asked the insurance companies for a statement on the matter. Mr. Norton Mr. Norton Mr. Norton: In that connection and bearing in mind the fact that the same companies covering Great Britain and Ireland charge a lesser rate in Great Britain than in Ireland, will the Minister say how the increased charge in respect of Ireland can be justified? Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch: The insurance rates are based on different ratings in Ireland and in Britain. In Ireland, they are based on the cubic capacity of the engine and, in England, they are based on the diameter of the cylinders. Sometimes that operates in favour of the Irish people and sometimes in favour of the British people. Dr. Browne Dr. Browne 569 [569] Dr. Browne: Is it not a fact that if these insurance companies did not squander their money on pretentious and extravagant buildings, we might be able to get car insurance at a more reasonable rate? Further, is it not a fact that if car insurance and other insurance were organised by the State—— An Ceann Comhairle Patrick (Clare) Hogan An Ceann Comhairle: That is a separate matter entirely. Dr. Browne Dr. Browne Dr. Browne: ——we would be able to get much cheaper insurance? Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch Mr. J. Lynch: There can be no proof or acceptance of that suggestion. Dr. Browne Dr. Browne Dr. Browne: Rubbish. The Minister knows that damn well. (Interruptions.) Dr. Browne Dr. Browne Dr. Browne: The Minister is talking through his hat. The Taoiseach Seán F. Lemass The Taoiseach: There must be a full moon. Dáil Éireann 192 Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. Motor Insurance Premiums. Questions 19611122
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