Are insurers guilty of discrimination?

Sir — Can someone enlighten me? The Equality Act 20002004 specifically forbids discrimination under nine headings, including age.

Every school, employer and business in Ireland must adhere to this act. But there appears to be one exception — the insurance industry.

I took out a whole-life policy in 1991 with an insurance company. I was not informed at the time that the second I turned 60 years of age, my premium would increase dramatically. I am now 69. My monthly premium is three times more now than it was when I was 59, and it will continue to increase on an annual basis!

The company says that this is the nature of insurance. It is also the nature of pubs, clubs and hotels to refuse service to any group who, they think, might cause a disturbance, but that is not allowed and they can and will be prosecuted.

Why does this caveat not apply to the insurance industry?

Is there anyone out there with deeper pockets than myself who might be minded to challenge this naked gouging of older people in the courts? Is there any chance of a class action?

Anyone interested in a class action may request my email address from this newspaper. Eamonn Tynan,

Longford