Motorcyclists demonstrate against sky-high insurance costs

In a protest tomorrow (Saturday 25th September) organised by MAG Ireland,
the Irish Motorcyclists' Action Group, bikers are taking to Dublin streets
to demonstrate against the continuing spiral of motorcycle insurance premiums.

Riders saw average prices increases of 42% this year. Some suffered
increases of up to 200% in spite of making no claim against their insurance.

Motorcyclists are also incensed by the continuing refusal of Hibernian
Insurance to extend to motorcyclists their penalty-points-free discount
which has been available to car drivers for over a year.

The riders will hand in letters of protest to Hibernian Insurance, Carole
Nash Insurance, and to the Department of Transport which is currently
taking over responsibility for motor insurance regulation from the
Department of Enterprise, Trade & Employment.

MAG Ireland's chairman, Eoin Kirwan, said "This protest is to make it clear
to the insurance companies - and the Government - that riders have suffered
for too long from lack of competition and outrageous premiums.

"As other insurance premiums continue to fall, we want to ensure that
motorcyclists will also benefit from reducing claim costs. We also wish to
see a prompt opening up of the Irish motor insurance market to insurers
based throughout the EU.

"The Government has long promised to amend the 1961 Road Traffic Act to
permit Irish motorists to fully benefit from the EU Single Market, but
after several years this has still not been delivered. Motorcyclists are
consumers who have suffered more than their fair share of rip-off Ireland."

As Ireland suffers ever-increasing traffic gridlock, each motorcycle
represents one less car congesting our roads. MAG Ireland calls for an end
to the motorcycle insurance rip-off, for measures to encourage motorcycle
commuting such as use of bus lanes, and for the elimination of VAT on
helmets and safety clothing.

ENDS

For further information call:

MAG Ireland Head Office:
Ph: 01 4530797
Fax: 014533643
office@magireland.org
www.magireland.org



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.

Issues tackled by MAG Ireland include insurance costs, road safety, road
user training, road repair and conditions, motoring taxation, consumer
issues, and driver licensing.

MAG Ireland offers a wide range of benefits to its membership of almost
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