Is the Minister aware that certain insurers are not prepared to quote insurance for certain areas in the city?

I am aware that for certain liability risks certain insurance companies are not prepared to offer rates. At a recent public dinner, I called on the insurance industry to ensure that they provide cover. It is their duty to provide cover in this country. As I have said on a number of occasions, I do not have the legal power to force insurance companies to make offers of cover to clients. I have a supervisory authority and a responsibility to ensure that insurance companies remain viable and that is my primary concern.

Finally, the Minister admits that insurers are not prepared to write cover for certain areas in the city.

Certainly.

Is the Minister aware that in the absence of insurers living up to their responsibility, protection rackets are operating in this city?

I am concerned——

Is the Minister aware?

——that certain companies are not offering cover for certain liabilities. I brought this to the notice of the companies and have warned them in this context and in the context of the freedom of services draft directive which is in negotiation in Europe. The Irish insurance industry have an obligation to the Irish market and if they do not live up to it, I shall have to examine the situation in depth.

What about the protection rackets? Will the Minister move to stop these?

If the Deputy refers that matter to the Minister for Justice, I am sure he will take action.

Because of the fact that I have had Question No. 20 down for the past three occasions on which the Minister answered questions under this heading and it failed to be reached, I should like to raise it on the Adjournment.

I shall communicate with the Deputy. That concludes Question Time.