asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Energy the number of insurance companies operating motor insurance in Ireland; and if he is satisfied that the normal element of competition in respect of this insurance prevails at the present time.

There are 22 companies transacting motor insurance business at present.

I am satisfied that there is a considerable degree of competition in the motor insurance market at present. This is evidenced by the big decrease in the number of complaints of inability to get cover or of exorbitant premium rates. The improvement on the position of a couple of years ago is probably due primarily to the more realistic level of premium rates today and to the entry of new insurers to the market. At the same time I am not yet satisfied that competition is as active as I would like it to be and I am continuing to keep this matter under surveillance.

Could the Parliamentary Secretary say if she has any specific measures in mind?

There are certain specific measures in mind but I am not prepared to disclose them at this point.

Is the Parliamentary Secretary aware that in many cases insurance companies which would appear to be separate are in fact one and the same company and because of that there is lack of competition? What steps would she take to have this matter made known to her and how would she propose to rectify the problem?

I have said that I am not satisfied that competition is as keen as it should be and the matter is being kept under surveillance within the Department, and proposals will be made which will be acted upon.

15.