John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank all our guests for joining us and giving their view on the market and what needs to be done. In particular, I thank Ms Murray, who put a human face on the issues. The committee cannot be accused of kicking the can down the road. We have prioritised, debated and written a report on the matter. None of the guests addressed the question I asked about what they did about continually lobbying the Minister or the Government. If any change to the situation is to occur, it will be through Government action. We will keep the Government on notice of the action that is required and contained in our report. I will not single out the Minister of State, Deputy D'Arcy, but the Government is the driver in this regard and it is required to implement the 60 or 70 recommendations we put before it. If there was action on those recommendations, the witnesses would not be appearing before the committee.

Hauliers, co-operatives and many other industries in business have appeared before us. I have met all of them, as well as vintners, throughout the country. Every one of them is complaining. I reject some of the commentary that was made on the reduction in motor insurance, for example. I have yet to meet anyone whose premium has been reduced. Given what is happening and how the Government functions, it is important that businesses engage directly and robustly with the Government. Mr. Boland stated politicians are too busy but they are never too busy. They are paid to be busy. Being busy is one matter but making that business work for the people we represent is another. It is not working, however, and we need to cut through the fog and deal directly with the people who obstruct the course of the reform that is needed in the insurance business. That lies at the feet of the Government.

Mr. Boland referred to the Judiciary and lawyers. As they have been mentioned, they are quite welcome to attend a future committee meeting in the light of the commentary and make any submission they wish to. They might wish to appear before us to defend their position or comment on what was said. Until now, the description of a cartel in operation has been used. People in the insurance world are hard nosed. The insurance world encompasses the Judiciary, lawyers and much more. They are taking advantage of the utter shambles that this has become. As a result, small businesses throughout the country and individuals such as Ms Murray are being penalised and made to pay more and more, but we do not know for what.

Deputy Eugene Murphy asked businesses not to give up. I assure all our guests that we will not give up. Our work will be to ensure that can is kicked no further down the road. I thank the witnesses once again for their attendance.