Eamon Scanlon (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator MacSharry's call for a debate. I am aware that one State-funded organisation has objected to a €40 million development in Sligo town. That is wrong.

On Saturday morning last, a distressed parent came to me in regard to the high cost of motor insurance which has forced his son, daughter-in-law and grandchild to return to England. The young man, who has a good job, paid a premium of €4,000 for his car insurance. He had a slight accident on a narrow road – it was a 50-50 situation. The insurance company settled the claim without his permission for €1,000. That increased his insurance by €3,500 in that year, despite the fact that the claim was only €1,000. His premium is now €7,500. Through the good offices of the Cathaoirleach, I request that somebody in the office of the Insurance Ombudsman be made directly responsible for dealing with what is happening to young people in relation to the cost of motor insurance.