North Wexford TD Slams Rising Insurance Costs

The rising cost of insurance is hitting every corner of Irish society—households, motorists, businesses and communities alike. It’s an issue that’s impacting people all over Ireland, particularly in rural areas like north Wexford and south Wicklow, where many young people rely on cars to get to work. Yet, these drivers are being punished by exorbitant insurance premiums, with companies here making two to three times the profits they do in other countries. That's according to North Wexford TD Fionntán O'Súilleabháin who brought the matter to the Dáil. In an emotive speech, the Deputy said that motor insurance saw an eye-watering increase of 11.5% last year—four times the rate of inflation—leaving many people feeling like they’re being fleeced and it doesn't stop there. Health insurance premiums have surged by over 50% since pre-COVID times, putting additional pressure on almost 2.5 million people who are already struggling to afford coverage. Public liability insurance, which many local businesses and community groups rely on, has also become prohibitively expensive, forcing the closure of vital community events that are central to Irish life. He is calling on the government to back Sinn Féin’s legislation to hold insurance companies accountable and ensure they pass on their excessive profits to consumers Listen back here