I raise the issue of insurance. Many small and medium size business have been in contact with me in recent years and we have raised many issues here. However, in the last period, they are very concerned about this and have indicated they will cease to operate because they cannot get insurance or the premiums are astronomical and escalating out of their reach. I ask the Taoiseach what the Government is doing in a real, serious, tangible way to tackle the spiralling cost of insurance to homeowners and businesses in particular. Some small to medium size businesses have said that, come 1 January, they will not be able to operate with proper insurance cover because of the escalating cost.

The Deputy will be aware that a number of Departments are involved in action on this matter. I again confirm progress in my Department on the setting up of the judicial council, which I expect to be complete by the end of this year in a few weeks. Allied to that is the action on the part of the Garda, in conjunction with the insurance industry, to deal with the issue of fraudulent and exaggerated claims and fraud within the industry.