For several years Fianna Fáil and Deputy Michael McGrath, in particular, have been highlighting the burden of ever soaring insurance costs. Deputy Michael McGrath has raised the issue in the House, as well as with the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission, CCPC, and the European Commission. All Deputies are aware of the burden of soaring insurance costs on businesses and people generally. Many have seen insurance costs rise by between 40% and 60% over the past several years. There is considerable evidence in recent months of business closures as a consequence of excessive insurance rises. For young drivers in particular, there are many examples of people being unable to afford the premiums charged, thereby discommoding their daily lives. Despite the pressure, there has been very little Government action to deal with this issue. While the Government says it is committed and published bucketloads of reports, it has failed to stop insurance price hikes for businesses and for consumers around the country.

It is not just Fianna Fáil saying this. The National Competitiveness Council figures show that Irish insurance price inflation is significantly above that of the eurozone average, thereby adding to the competitiveness burden faced by businesses and the burden in people's daily lives. The key factor in this burden is the lack of competition in the Irish market. This morning, we learned from David Murphy of RTÉ that the European Commission has acted and launched a preliminary investigation as to whether or not foreign companies are being barred from entering the Irish market. David Murphy's report quotes the experience of Zenith Insurance which pulled out of the Irish market in 2016. In a statement it cited "the lack of engagement with us by Irish industry bodies, which we believe creates a market disadvantage for us and our partners." Less competition means higher prices for Irish insurance consumers. Higher insurance premiums cost jobs and hurt people across the country.

Will the Tánaiste confirm that this preliminary investigation is under way and how far it has progressed? Does the Tánaiste agree that insurance costs are too high in Ireland? What is the Government actually doing to encourage more companies to enter the Irish market?

The insurance industry body in Ireland, Insurance Ireland, promotes access to a service called Integrated Information Data Service, IIDS, a shared members' database that, by arrangement with the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport, allows its users to confirm the accuracy of penalty point information. Will the Tánaiste confirm all insurance companies and all prospective insurance companies have access to that information, regardless of whether they are members of Insurance Ireland or not?

The European Commission has been undertaking an investigation since last year. Members will recall that on 4 July 2017, it carried out an unannounced inspection at the premises of companies active in the motor insurance industry in the State. The basis for this inspection was a concern by the Commission that the companies involved may have engaged in anti-competitive practices in breach of EU anti-trust rules which prohibit cartels, restrictive business practices and-or abuse of a dominant market position. The House will understand neither I nor the Minister for Finance are in a position to make any comment on an ongoing investigation by the European Commission. Any investigation undertaken by the Commission is done independently and I have no insight into the development of any such exercise.

Separately, the CCPC has been undertaking an investigation into potential price signalling in the private motor insurance sector. The CPCC is the statutory independent body responsible for the enforcement of domestic and EU competition law in the State. Again, it is not appropriate for me to comment on an independent live investigation. Having said that, the State has taken action where it can to date. The cost of insurance working group's reports on the cost of motor insurance, employer liability and public liability insurance have made several recommendations which are relevant to the issue of supporting a level playing field to ensure a competitive marketplace, which is what we all want. We are committed to implementing the recommendations of both of those reports. Much of that has taken place and has had an impact on the motor insurance market in particular.

There is still more work to be done, however. The Government is absolutely committed to ensuring an insurance market attractive to new entrants, based on a level playing field, and having a competitive environment in order consumers and businesses benefit. We will take appropriate action to ensure that is the case. It is not appropriate for me today to comment on independent investigations, which are ongoing.

I appreciate that the Tánaiste cannot comment because these are independent investigations. That is precisely one of the issues, namely, they are independent of the Government. It took two outside agencies to intervene to do something. The Government has talked and published reports while businesses and consumers face significantly excessive increases in their insurance costs. The figures show that, compared to our EU competitors, our insurance costs are considerably above the EU average. Once again, it is another burden on the cost of doing business in Ireland.

High insurance costs are hurting jobs, businesses and families. We need action. Will the Tánaiste confirm when the action points in the report on the cost of employer liability and public liability insurance will be completed? When will the Government implement all the recommendations in the report on the cost of motor insurance? Will the Government actually do something to address the burden being faced by insurance holders rather than just talking about it?

The role of the CCPC, independent of the Government, is working. That is why it has a live investigation under way. That is the way it should be. If there are concerns about appropriate levels of competition, an independent investigation must happen, separate from the political system or the Government, in a robust manner, which is what is happening now.

The recommendations of the cost of insurance working group include enhancing the powers of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board to include regular reviews of the book of quantum and greater detail, establishing the Personal Injuries Commission, which is reviewing personal injuries claims internationally with a view to benchmarking these, improving the personal injuries litigation framework, including through the existing provisions regarding notification of claims, and provisions to penalise fraudulent activity. There are significant recommendations on the back of good work which has been done by the Government. We are acting in implementing those recommendations which is exactly what we should be doing.