I wish to raise the issue of insurance reform. Progress has been made. My colleague Senator Nelson Murray often raises the matter. We cannot afford to lose momentum in this area. The latest report by the Society of Actuaries in Ireland confirms that the reforms introduced in recent years are working. Since the personal injury guidelines were introduced in 2021, the average injury award has fallen by almost 30%. That is significant and the Government deserves credit for staying the course on this, but we are not there yet. Insurance premiums remain far too high for many people. I hear that from small business clubs, charities and community organisations every week. As somebody who has run social enterprises in the community - we have a new one opening in Wicklow town this Friday - I know the pressure that insurance costs place on such organisations, like Tiglin, that simply want to serve their communities. In some cases, insurance costs can be the difference between expanding and shutting down.

The report also highlights that legal costs continue to drive up claims. The Central Bank has found that claims dealt with through the Injuries Resolution Board are resolved in half the time of those that end up in litigation. Of course, that is better for everyone. It supports the person who makes the claim and the person who pays the premium. Therefore, we need to encourage far more cases to avail of the Injuries Resolution Board.

I urge the Government to progress the judicial council (amendment) Bill because we need a fairer and more predictable system with proper international benchmarking. It is not about denying people fair compensation; it is about striking the right balance, with which everybody in this House would agree. Ultimately, lower claims must translate into lower premiums but we are not seeing that at the moment. That is what motorists, businesses, voluntary organisations and families across Ireland have been promised and that is what they deserve.

I second the amendment proposed by Senator Clonan.