asked the Minister for Industry, Commerce and Tourism when the talks which commenced some years ago with the insurance industry on a Motor Declined Risks Agreement will be concluded; and when it is proposed to introduce provisions that would ensure motor insurance for all licensed drivers, particularly young people.

Discussions with the insurance industry on a new Declined Cases Agreement for motor insurance are on the point of conclusion and the agreement should come into effect shortly. I expect that these new arrangements will largely eliminate such difficulties as may still exist at the present time, especially for young and inexperienced drivers, in securing motor insurance cover appropriate to the nature of the risk.

The Minister mentioned "shortly" in the course of his reply. Do I take it that "shortly" means shortly or what does it mean? We have been accustomed to having this word bandied around without any definition.

It certainly will mean shortly; very, very soon.

Months or weeks?

For the Deputy's information, the position does not arise now to the extent that it did in as much as the committee operating had only seven cases to deal with last year as against 40 in the previous year.

A brief supplementary.

Then there is no disagreement. The industry needs this and the Minister needs it. Why the delay? Is it not being finalised?

There was a problem in relation to one or two companies who did not sign the agreement. That has been finalised now, so the matter can be finished very soon.

Ceist 16.

Could I ask——

I have called Ceist 16.

I was seeking to ask a supplementary.

I am aware of that but I am responsible for the number of supplementaries. Question No. 16 is for written reply.