Micheál Martin (Cork South-Central, Fianna Fail)

Government did a lot over the last number of years in respect of a whole series of reforms that were implemented in respect of insurance. Some premia came down; some have gone back up again. There is an onus on the insurance industry to respond to the reforms that the Government delivered with a view to reducing costs. The Government has re-established the sub-committee on insurance. The Minister of State, Deputy Troy, is involved in that with others. We will pursue further reforms. I have to say that Government can pursue reforms and we have to engage, but the industry has to respond as well. There is a broader issue in terms of more competition and, in my view, opening up the European market more to create that competition.

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