I wish to raise the rising cost of home insurance. Several people in County Kerry contacted me recently about soaring premiums. This is happening at a time when insurance companies are reporting soaring profits as well.

I accept there is inflation in terms of construction and the cost of replacing damaged properties. However, from what I have seen and the evidence that has been presented to me by people in County Kerry who are renewing their premiums, the rises far outweigh any inflationary pressures that would be on the insurance companies. Can this be addressed by the Government? It is putting undue hardship on householders.

I take the Deputy's point and his concerns in regard to the rising cost of house insurance. The Government has implemented a suite of reforms in relation to the insurance industry which is reducing the costs and the scale of awards. It is time the insurance industry responded with keener pricing and reductions in some of the premia. We also need more competition in the market. Even though I am from Cork, I do not know the specifics of the Kerry market which can sometimes be unique in itself. However, I will revert to the Minister for Finance, particularly the Minister who has responsibility for insurance reform. This is an issue for us. Many reforms have happened and the guidelines have issued yet people do not get a sense that we are getting a consequential reduction in prices. They certainly should not be going up anyway.