Frank O'Rourke (Kildare North, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

What do the witnesses think of the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission getting involved and examining what is going on to see if we can get the answers we need? We spoke earlier about the Consumers Association of Ireland trying to get to the bottom of the issue. I asked about a regulatory body getting its teeth into it to get the information required. If the information is all so good and can be validated, what is the risk of putting it into a public forum where it can be analysed and examined? I am concerned as to why the information is not being put out there. As Ms Callan stated, this is the thin end of the wedge. Next will be home insurance and insurance for businesses creeping up.

No one is suggesting the insurance companies are making massive profits, but they are doing something in a very closed, unacceptable and concealed manner. They have a blank cheque with regard to motor insurance premiums for businesses and private citizens and it is not good enough. This is what we are dealing with.

The courts should have a matrix of awards so if someone is unfortunate enough to get whiplash in an accident and gets cash instead of care there should be limit. The problem is a judge might give me €5,000 and give someone else €15,000. This is a huge issue and it is a factor. They are not above the law either and they must be accountable. It is no one person's responsibility to solve this - a partnership approach is required. That is why the motor insurance advisory board or an equivalent body could play an important role. It would bring all stakeholders together, which is the only way this will be solved.