I wish to ask about the cost of insurance working group in light of the possibility that climbing centres throughout the country will be forced to close because of the exit of insurance providers. I refer to places such as the Dublin climbing centre in Tallaght, which provides facilities for large numbers of young people and older people. It is very important in terms of physical and mental health. Does the Tánaiste agree that there is another failure here of a for-profit insurance market, which incidentally was very profitable for the insurance companies, but where they want they can simply walk away? It points to the need for a State insurance company to provide insurance on a not-for-profit basis.

Page 33 of the programme for Government refers to tackling insurance costs. The reason I raise this issue is because there is probably not a Deputy in the Chamber who has not been lobbied by business groups, community groups and individuals whose premiums have skyrocketed. We do not believe the Government has made any particular intervention to address the situation. I urge the Government to make an urgent intervention.

The Suas climbing centre in Gillogue on the outskirts of Limerick is at risk of closure, resulting in job losses for its workers and the loss of an excellent facility that is used by many people in Limerick, Clare and Tipperary. What specific measures will be introduced to address the insurance problems? The Government has done nothing so far.

The leisure industry not being able to get insurance is a significant one that must be urgently addressed. I have been contacted by a number of businesses.

I ask for an update on the actions taken to date. I urge the Minister to hurry up with this matter because jobs across the State are at risk unless the matter is resolved.

Jobs are at risk due to the inaction by the Government in tackling the hikes in insurance costs right across the State. Jobs have been lost across the State. Businesses close down weekly. I am working with a number of businesses which provide for outdoor pursuits and activities. They are at risk. One business recently told me that its insurance has gone from €9,000 to more than €60,000 in a couple of years. We cannot afford to wait and to hope that something takes place in the future. I refer to the Judicial Council Bill. That seems to be the only hope that the Government is giving to these people but it is built on many ifs and buts. We need action otherwise thousands of jobs will be lost across the State.

I know the Tánaiste has other matters on his mind today but this needs to be reinforced. Deputies have mentioned motor, business and commercial residential insurance. This is beginning to bite in community facilities. The Minister, my constituency colleague, Deputy Zappone, will also know that Fettercairn Youth Horse Project has seen its public liability insurance rise to €46,000. This valuable community project has almost exhausted its cash reserves to deal with the matter. Killinarden Community Centre has seen its insurance cost rise from €6,000 to €26,000 in the space of six or seven years. The Tánaiste may nod at this but they are threatened with closure. These are the beating heart of local communities. It was the first item that my colleague, Deputy Michael McGrath, raised in this Dáil during Private Members' business, three years ago. Nothing has happened to effect any real change.

The single biggest issue with insurance is the level of awards. We have all seen people with low damages with a low impact on them receive substantial awards. Insurance companies in a number of sectors have left those areas because of the levels of awards. We have passed the Judicial Council Bill. The Judiciary and Chief Justice have been very helpful. The establishment of the personal injury committee within the judicial council will happen in parallel with the establishment of the judicial council. We expect the announcement within days of the seven judges who will participate in the review of the guidelines. The Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach has publicly asked insurance companies if premiums will come down if awards come down and they have all said that they will. The companies have said the same thing to me in private. I have been to London to meet the London-based underwriters about insurance here in Ireland. They also say that if awards come down, so will premiums, and the risk appetite will be improved. The work is being done. Those who say nothing is being done are wrong. The objective is to get the five primary areas of personal injury reduced by the end of the year.