Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Regarding the report about Aviva, it is one of the longest established, global enterprises in the insurance business and has announced it is going through a restructuring phase. It is only right and proper that I do not comment on this until such time as the company arrives at its conclusions, having carried out its analysis. The extent of insurance drop-off in terms of car and house purchases and many people leaving health insurance indicates the extent and depth of the recession and the pressure on people as we take €6 billion out of the economy this year. Obviously, there are serious challenges ahead. IDA Ireland, which has been in contact with Aviva, cannot make any sort of judgment about the future until such time as the company makes its own decisions in respect of the review which it is carrying out.

See this speech in context