Other News In Brief

Appeal Following Fatal Road Crash

Gardaí have appealed for information following a fatal road crash in Schull, Co Cork.

The accident happened at around 4pm on Saturday (30 August) and involved two cars and a minibus.

The driver of one of the cars, understood to be a woman in her 60s, was fatally injured in the collision.

The female driver of the mini bus was taken to hospital, but her injuries are not thought to be serious. The female driver of the second car was not injured.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Bantry Garda Station on 027 20860.

FF Calls For Insurance Policies To Be Investigated

Fianna Fáil's spokesperson for Finance, Michael McGrath, has said the Central Bank needs to hold an investigation into the sale of Whole of Life insurance policies, after concerns were raised that a large number of consumers may have been mis-sold the policies.

Whole of Life insurance policies insure a person for their whole life or for as long as they keep paying their premium. Following a review of the policy, the premium due can substantially increase.

In a statement, Deputy McGrath said: "There have been growing concerns in recent times that many people may have been sold Whole of Life insurance policies without having the nature of the product properly explained to them.

"Many consumers have been shocked to find their premium increasing dramatically following a review of their policy. This could result in the policy becoming completely unaffordable and the insurance cover being lost.

"Some people have reported increases in their premium of a staggering 300-400% on review of their policy."

He continued: "I have raised my concerns on the issue with the Financial Services Ombudsman (FSO). Figures released to me this week by the Ombudsman show that of the 104 complaints pertaining to such policies in 2013, the Ombudsman upheld in full or in part 31 complaints.

"Nine complaints out of 44 decided cases in 2014 have been partly upheld by the FSO. While these figures may seem low, they need to be understood in the context that the six year rule prevents the vast majority of whole of life mis-selling cases from being brought before the FSO.

"It is now time for the Central Bank to investigate the area of Whole of Life insurance policies so that any consumers who were mis-sold such policies receive proper compensation from the financial institution concerned."

M50 Reopens Following Crash

The M50 has re-opened following a major road accident.

At around 6pm on Sunday, five vehicles were involved in an accident on the northbound lane of the motorway at the Firhouse exit.

The collision caused major delays for motorists in the area.

In a statement, Gardaí confirmed there were no serious injuries as result of the crash.

(JP/CD)