Cian O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay North, Social Democrats)

The Taoiseach has clarified that there will not be an increase of 17%. He is giving that commitment to the Dáil now that the Government will not be putting forward an increase of 17%. I welcome that if that is the case. Awards here are four times higher than in the UK, so it would be a regressive move. If the Government is not doing that, that is welcome. The Taoiseach gave a history lesson on the legislation relating to this but the Judicial Council committee itself said that it could not carry out any meaningful analysis on the quantum of awards given under the guidelines to date that might inform this review. The committee itself was saying that it did not sufficient data to be able to make an informed, good decision. I welcome the Taoiseach's confirmation that he is giving a commitment that there will be no increase brought to the Oireachtas by the Government on insurance awards. The Taoiseach is giving that commitment.

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