Across the State, insurance costs are continuing to rise to unaffordable levels. This is putting serious pressure on motorists and businesses are closing in every sector of the State. From 2014 to 2018, the value of personal injury claims paid out through the courts and the Personal Injuries Assessment Board fell by 15%. Between 2013 and 2017, the total number of motor insurance claims fell by 22%. At the same time, however, the average motor insurance premium increased by 53%. We accept that there is serious issue with some of the levels of personal injury awards and that it needs to be dealt with. The House, including our party, facilitated with the Government in ensuring the Judicial Council Act was signed into law as quickly as possible. The Act was signed into law on 23 July, three months ago, yet the Minister for Justice and Equality has not implemented section 5, under which the council will be set up. When it is set up, the council will establish an advisory committee that will look at the level of awards, which will take to up to a year.

The Deputy’s time is up. He has just one minute.

As companies are closing and people are being fleeced, the Minister is sitting on his hands and will not implement legislation passed by both Houses of the Oireachtas. This matter needs to be dealt with.

I reject that in its entirety.

Did the Minister sign it?

I acknowledge the deliberations in this House which gave rise to the passage of the legislation in question in the course of the summer months. I had a meeting with the Courts Service this morning. Obviously, there are issues involved in the setting up of a new board. In this regard, I assure Deputy Pearse Doherty and the House that the council will be set up by the end of the year.