PRESS RELEASE :

15/07/2004 Immediate Release

MAG Ireland urges Tánaiste to remember Bikers.

MAG Ireland has welcomed the recent announcements that the Tánaiste has signed the Commencement Order to enable the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) to deal with Motor and Public Liability cases from 22nd July 2004.

A reduction in premium costs should follow the change from the current situation where the costs of litigation can comprise up to 50% of the cost of claims.

MAG Ireland's National Campaigns Officer, Karen Kiely said "the recent talks with UK insurers with the prospect of bringing more competition into the insurance market are most welcome and long overdue. We would urge the Tánaiste to remember that Irish motorcyclists are under even more pressure than car drivers, with only two insurers offering cover.

"MAG Ireland has made representations on a number of occasions to highlight the lack of competition in the motorcycle insurance market which has led to a situation where motorcyclists are forced to pay extortionate premiums despite the industry's admission that in 75% of accidents involving a motorcycle and another vehicle, the other vehicle is at fault. Until MAG Ireland's successful negotiations brought Carole Nash Insurance Consultants into the Irish market, Norwich Union (now Hibernian) was the only insurer of motorcyclists in this country. Whilst two companies are obviously better than one, there is a serious lack of competition in this sector which is currently being examined by the Competition Authority.

"With premium increases this year in the region of 40% for many Irish motorcyclists, it is imperative that greater competition be encouraged in this sector as a matter of urgency and I would ask the Tanaiste to ensure that motorcyclists are not overlooked during this period of reform in the insurance market."

ENDS

Background:

MAG Ireland (Irish Motorcyclist's Action Group) was set up in 1985 and represents the interests of Ireland's 40,000 motorcyclists, scooterists and moped users.

Areas tackled by MAG Ireland include road safety, training, road conditions, technical harmonisation, tax issues, consumer issues affecting riders, licencing and insurance.

MAG Ireland offers a wide range of benefits to its membership of over four thousand riders including discounts at many retail outlets and events, a subscription to Ireland's

largest circulation motorcyclist magazine, a health insurance scheme and information service.

For further information contact

Karen Kiely
National Campaigns Officer
+ 353 1 453 07 97
campaigns@magireland.org
MAG Ireland
1b Ring Terrace
Inchicore
Dublin 8
Republic of Ireland