Michael Lowry (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is also important to realise that the public is angry at the scale of the profits being made. The scale of profits suggests that the insurance industry has lost its sense of service. Previously, one's insurance broker or insurance agent was a trusted guide; now they increasingly resemble a group of profiteers. What we are looking for is real and substantial insurance reform. The public is looking for timelines and wants to know when there will be effective action. It is important to remember that the worldwide trend is towards significant reductions in premiums. Ireland stands out because the opposite is the case, with alarming increases annually.

Regarding the Government's proposed judicial council, I suggest that the Taoiseach send, with respect to the separation of powers, a polite but stern message to the Judiciary because it is moving on this issue at a pace that could at its kindest be described as stately.

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