112 Mr. Creed asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the fact that the significant increase in insurance premiums is causing difficulties for many small and medium enterprises; and her proposals to resolve this problem. [8441/02]

113 Mr. Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the escalating cost of insurance premiums which threatens to put small and medium enterprises out of business; the action she intends to take to remedy this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8523/02]

115 Mr. Currie asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if her attention has been drawn to the dramatic increases in business insurance for small and medium enterprises in all sectors of business over the past two years (details supplied); the action she intends to take to remedy this situation; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [8730/02]

122 Mr. Hogan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her proposals to address the escalating cost of insurance to young people and to businesses; and the impact that this burden is having on employment. [8951/02]

123 Mr. Ring asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment her proposals to assist small and medium enterprises whose insurance premiums have risen dramatically which will result in a number of businesses having to cease operation. [8971/02]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 112, 113, 115, 122 and 123 together.

The pricing and underwriting of insurance is a matter for individual insurance companies. EU law prevents both me and the Department from intervening on the matter of premium levels or in respect of the risks insurance companies are prepared to underwrite. Insurers make decisions on provision of cover based on their assessment of that particular risk.

The insurance industry has pointed to a number of factors, both domestic and international, to explain these increases, including the high cost of settling claims, the general reduction in investment returns, recent court decisions regarding the calculation of compensation losses in personal injury cases and the affects of the 11 September attacks in the United States of America.

Representations being made to me suggest that many businesses seek insurance cover from sources outside Ireland. Availability from these sources has contracted, as capacity in the international market has been impaired following the events of 11 September last.

I am aware of the difficulties being experienced by businesses in getting cover, even at very high premiums. I am arranging to meet the Irish Insurance Federation once again and representatives of the main insurers here to discuss these difficulties. I will be encouraging them to develop, in consultation with their clients, innovative strategies for controlling risk. It is my hope that such strategies will contribute towards a moderation of prices.

Meanwhile, I am awaiting the report of the interdepartmental implementation group set up to progress the establishment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, PIAB, so that the board may be set up as quickly as possible.

The Motor Insurance Advisory Board, MIAB, has just finalised its report and arrangements for both printing and publication are currently being made. Further work to improve health and safety standards in the workplace is also in progress.