Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy referred to the role of the regulator, which was debated at some length during Taoiseach's Question Time. It is clear that the Government is examining that matter. Considerable progress could be made in this area if the examination is successful. The Deputy is aware of the work of the anti-inflation group, which has been meeting for a long time and has enjoyed considerable success in getting its proposals dealt with.

Most of the Government's progress in respect of cost competitiveness has been made in the insurance market. Many people strongly believed the initiatives taken in that regard could not and would not work, but it has been proven that it is possible to deal successfully with the difficulties in this area. The Government, which is aware of the competitiveness challenges that arise from the report, is continuing to address the recommendations in that regard.

See this speech in context