Michael Moynihan (Cork North West, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I was going to note that the Minister of State's reply did not address the issue of the European Commission's investigation. We need to know what has happened with that investigation, where it is at and when its results will be published on the public record.

The Minister of State spoke of the benchmarking of awards and the percentage of difference involved. He also referred to the book of quantum. As I understand it, a legislative framework is in place to ensure the amendment or redrawing of, or a new book of quantum. When, in the name of God, can we put that out there? Businesses are grinding to a halt because of insurance. The issue of insurance has come up repeatedly over the last while, more than any other. We often talk of premiums and claims, but it also came out through the Houses of the Oireachtas this year that insurance companies are making massive profits. I have met with many high street businesses attempting to keep their doors open and time and again they mention the crippling cost of insurance. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board was established a number of years ago. However, the legal profession seems to have bypassed it as it is no longer the panacea it was 15 or 20 years ago. Young people are paying through the nose for car insurance. When will the book of quantum be replaced? What are the Minister of State's opinions on the massive profits being made by insurance companies on the back of consumers, small business owners, motorists and householders? I ask him to make every effort to provide me with an update on what has happened with the European Commission's dawn raid.

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