The recent collapse of Setanta Insurance left approximately 75,000 policyholders out of pocket. It subsequently transpired that the company is regulated in Malta, rather than Ireland. This is the third serious case involving an insurance company in recent years. Royal Sun Alliance was found to have under-provided for future claims and an issue also arose with regard to Quinn Insurance. The Government has promised an insurance Bill which will, I hope, strengthen protection for insurance policyholders. Will the Taoiseach indicate when the Bill will be introduced and whether it will address the issue of providing consumer protection for policyholders who have been found to be vulnerable?

While I do not have a date for the publication of the insurance Bill, given that serious matters have arisen in respect of Quinn Insurance and Setanta Insurance, I will have the Minister for Finance provide the Deputy with an update on the current status of preparations and how the legislation is being managed.