Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Such hyperbole and exaggeration has not been witnessed in the House for quite some time. With respect to Deputy Hogan, I suggest his party colleague was a little over the top in terms of her description of my good self.

With regard to the other members of the board of the PIAB, one represents the insurance federation, as Deputy Penrose pointed out. Another is the chief executive of the national consumer agency. There are two nominees from the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, one of whom is the aforementioned Senator O'Toole. The consumer director of the Irish financial service regulatory authority, which protects the consumer, is also on the board, as are a number of other individuals with relevant expertise. It is unfair to suggest that there is a bias towards the insurance industry on the board. I do not accept that contention, as expressed by Deputy Penrose.

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