Michael Fitzmaurice (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) | Oireachtas source

One would wonder when we have approximately 2,500 practising GPs in this country why we have 10,000 practising solicitors. This indicates there is much work and money to be made, to be very blunt. Collectively, this Dáil has a responsibility: we can give out but we want solutions. We need to solve this problem collectively as small and medium enterprises all over the country are in trouble. I thank the Minister of State for attending the meeting with the Irish Co-operative Organisation Society, ICOS, and Mr. Brendan Egan from Castlerea mart, as marts are a small or medium business. They are screwed with insurance as well because of constant claims. They need cameras everywhere. If something happens to a person at home, he or she cannot claim but nevertheless a solicitor can advertise with "no win, no fee". This craic must stop and if a person takes a case there should be repercussions if it is exaggerated or lost. Money should be repaid.

We need to look again at the book of quantum and at England's example. We must implement the 15 recommendations as soon as possible. Let us be honest, as there are people here with their own businesses. We will not be able to drive on both sides of the road. We must ensure we can stand up to be counted. When the book of quantum is done, we must ensure it is adhered to. The Judiciary must run in line with this. We cannot have a system with fairy figures being given out. People are panicking. Insurance companies, including one for the farming community, will not even contest a case if it is under €100,000. Those companies let such claims through but this leads to rising insurance. People's hearts are in their mouths waiting for quotes for the cost of insurance.

Right around this Dáil we must work on this together. We can give out to a Minister or the Government but the insurance problem has been escalating in the past four or five years. It is extremely bad. Ultimately, if we lose the small and medium enterprises that employ most of the people around the country, we will have less money coming to the Exchequer and less going out. It is up to us, collectively, to solve this problem and get working on it as fast as possible.

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