Fine Gael TD for Dun Laoghaire, Mary Mitchell O’Connor, has today (Tuesday) said that bringing young people home for good is a key part of Fine Gael’s plan to keep the recovery going in 2016 and that motor insurers also have a role to play.

“Next year, for the first time since the crisis began, more people will return to Ireland than leave. However many insurers are not recognising driver experience accrued abroad and are quoting those returning to Ireland to work extremely high premiums.

“Since the launch of the Action Plan for Jobs in 2012, over 135,000 jobs have been added to the economy. Over Christmas many major employers have launched recruitment campaigns to encourage people to come back for good. This is all very positive but unexpected costs, such as very high insurance, could act as a deterrent.

“When Fianna Fáil wrecked the economy they destroyed the future of countless young people who were forced to emigrate in search of work and opportunity. Five years later, thanks to the work of the Irish people, the economy is recovering and there are opportunities at home once again.

“By 2020 we expect 70,000 Irish emigrants to have come home to take up new jobs and opportunities. The Government is working to create opportunities for these people and to reduce taxes so they can keep more of their own money. However motor insurers have a role to play to treat all customers fairly, whether they have a record of safe driving in Ireland or elsewhere.”