On Saturday, protesters took part in a rally on Merrion Square to protest at the rise in car insurance premiums, which have increased by 67% over the past three years. Those involved who have to carry this burden want the Government to establish a task force, similar to the Motor Insurance Advisory Board, MIAB, which was established in the 1990s and whose recommendations led to a 40% drop in premiums. The Minister for Finance has established a task force in his Department to review policy in the insurance sector, but it has not yet begun to deal with the reasons behind the major spikes in premium costs. Will the Taoiseach indicate when he expects the review to be completed? Will he consider establishing a task force similar to the MIAB?

We will discuss this at the next Cabinet sub-committee meeting and advise Deputy Adams of the progress made and whether the outcome is that a task force should be established.

When we called the insurance companies together previously about flooding, many of them commented that fraudulent claims were driving up motor insurance. I have seen that refuted in other areas. The rise in insurance costs is a matter of concern and we will examine the matter carefully.