Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State for his reply. The starting point in this debate is to acknowledge that the situation is out of hand. The latest example is that Aviva insurance is adding a 20% loading to any volunteer in the community first responder scheme around the country. That is costing the scheme, a life saving service, valuable members. The issue must be addressed because this is not acceptable. I welcome that the level of activity by the working group has been accelerated. There are also the four sub-groups. Can I take it that the objective is that the Minister will have an interim report by the end of the month setting out a series of recommendations that can be implemented? Ultimately, that is what all of us wish to achieve. I accept that there is no silver bullet and that a range of measures will be required. I expect the working group will draw from the testimony heard by the finance committee as well. I look forward to the Minister's response but I seek a commitment that we will have recommendations by the end of the month which we can then seek to implement in an effort to deal with the underlying causes of spiralling premiums.

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