I thank the Taoiseach. I call Deputy John McGuinness.

Right across the insurance sector, premiums have increased significantly and there is an upward trend in every piece in every area, such as motor insurance and house insurance. SMEs across the country are faced with significant challenges in getting insurance. Flood insurance is impossible to get. Young people trying to get mortgage protection who may have had glitches with their health issues in the past cannot get cover. I want to know what the Government is doing to address the issue and bring some form of stability to that market because it is having a negative effect on the economy.

Government did a lot over the last number of years in respect of a whole series of reforms that were implemented in respect of insurance. Some premia came down; some have gone back up again. There is an onus on the insurance industry to respond to the reforms that the Government delivered with a view to reducing costs. The Government has re-established the subcommittee on insurance. The Minister of State, Deputy Troy, is involved in that with others. We will pursue further reforms. I have to say that Government can pursue reforms and we have to engage, but the industry has to respond as well. There is a broader issue in terms of more competition and, in my view, opening up the European market more to create that competition.