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The Minister of State for the Diaspora and International Development, Ciarán Cannon, has this week written to all motor insurance providers in Ireland seeking information on their motor insurance practices for returning emigrants. Finding suitable motor insurance cover and also finding a provider that will take overseas driving experience into account have been highlighted as a particular difficulty faced by emigrants who want to return to Ireland.

Speaking today, Minister of State Cannon said:

“I have written to motor insurance companies operating in Ireland to ask them directly about their practices in relation to returning emigrants.

"My goal is to make it as easy as possible for our citizens to return to Ireland to live, work or study. Providing clear information on issues that can affect the decision to return is a key priority for me in this context.

"I am therefore asking all motor insurance companies for information, which I intend to publish on my Department’s website, to help ensure that our citizens have access to the best available information as they consider important car insurance decisions."

Difficulties in finding suitable and affordable motor insurance cover were a prominent theme in the recently published Indecon Report on Addressing Challenges Faced by Returning Irish Emigrants. 78% of those surveyed for the Report indicated that they found it difficult or extremely difficult to obtain car insurance. The Report specifically recommends highlighting motor insurance companies who facilitate returning emigrants.