Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail)
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The Minister of State did answer the question. I am not suggesting that the legislation should apply retrospectively but consideration should be given to introducing legislation that will apply prospectively. All we are doing in the legislation is requiring the data to be collected by the Central Bank and for the consumer to be informed of the deduction. The Minister of State could introduce a scheme similar to the RBA scheme that operates in respect of social welfare payments made by the State. Insurers have to pay for those payments under that scheme. EWSS is, at present, going on until the end of March. Who knows but that business interruption claims this time next year may seek to recoup money in respect of State payments made throughout the coming year? Consideration should be given to putting in place a scheme that will operate prospectively. At present we get the data but we are still, to use the Minister of State's words, in a situation where insurers can be seen as pocketing taxpayers' money. That is not something that I or the Minister of State wants to see.