There are various commitments given in the programme for Government and various others outside it to address the rising cost of insurance. The Tánaiste's colleague, Brian Hayes, MEP, took a cut off the Department and the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport on the issue of motor insurance. Businesses across the country are facing increased insurance costs. People are considering the viability of their businesses because of the cost of insurance, particularly in areas where there is a large footfall. We will debate section 39 organisations later today. St. Joseph's Foundation in Charleville has seen its insurance costs increase from €100,000 to almost €500,000, which is incredible. No decisive action is being taken by the Government with the insurance industry which is crippling householders, businesses and section 39 organisations.

There was a recognition in government that increases in insurance costs were unsustainable. It was decided to review the insurance industry, an approach which was led by the Minister, Deputy Eoghan Murphy, when he held a different brief. For the most part, the report and recommendations have been implemented and resulted in motor insurance premiums stabilising. The changes will have a positive impact over time. Phase 2 of the approach taken was to examine business insurance costs. The process is under way, but the group has not yet reported. When it does, we will take the same approach that we took to the cost of motor insurance, namely, making sure we implement the recommendations made.