Insurance Levy

Wednesday, 11 February 2026

Ceisteanna (34)

Paul Lawless

Ceist:

34. Deputy Paul Lawless asked the Minister for Transport if he is aware of the difficulties faced by 18–20-year-old licence holders, including fully qualified rigid truck drivers and apprentices, in obtaining insurance cover for commercial or recovery vehicles despite holding all required driving qualifications and certificates; if he will engage with the insurance industry to remove age-based barriers that prevent young people from entering trades and transport-related apprenticeships; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [10865/26]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Transport

As Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport, Logistics, Rail and Ports, I wish to advise that insurance companies are private commercial entities.

The provision of motor insurance, including the assessment of risk and the setting of premiums or eligibility criteria, is a commercial matter for insurance providers, and is based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and adequate provisioning to meet those risks. These are considered by insurance companies on a case by case basis. Neither I nor my Department has the power to direct insurance companies on the provision of insurance products.