Matt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I accept the Minister of State's bona fides with regard to the difficulties he envisages and the reasons he has put forward as to why he feels that a periodic review will be difficult. We differ on that, but I accept that is his position. With regard to the commitment he has given within the amendment to engage with stakeholders, is there something that could be written within that to ensure that the Minister of the day and the Department will engage with umbrella groups or representative groups of stakeholders? I worry about who will be speaking to the policyholders. It is very important in that if we are talking about insurance reform, we are talking about try to reduce costs. There is no point in talking to other people about the process if we are not talking to those who are paying the costs and bills and supporting the activity.

The review the Minister of State proposes will be undertaken by the Minister of the day. I can see how that would probably make sense but the question is as to whether it will be done through an external appointed body. Is the plan be to appoint some external review process or will it be done in-house as a report the Minister will present to the House? There are obvious difficulties with that. We do not wish to go back to second guess legislation or reform but that is exactly what we should be doing to be quite frank. Considerable legislation is passed in this House for which we should have some kind of a look-back facility.

I know the Minister of State said it is possible for Members to bring forward a Bill or a Private Member's motion, but it would be far easier if the process were set in the context of the enactment of the legislation. I have spoken to the Minister of State a number of times on this matter. I thank him for that engagement.

It has been positive but the proof is going to be in the pudding. The Minister of State has committed to a review. It cannot be comprehensive and wide-ranging enough. I would like to see recommendations resulting from it as well that might make their way back into the House at a future point.

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