John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

It gives me great pleasure to speak on the motion. I have a business and I fully understand the great increase in insurance costs in recent years. I have witnessed small businesses closing as a result. There has to be a proper approach to correcting this problem. The establishment of the PIAB by the Government is one strong measure in addressing the wrongs and the spiralling costs of recent years.

I wish to refer briefly to the culture that has developed in Irish society of fraudulent claims. We all watched the "Prime Time" special. Whereas we may have heard of such fraudulent claims previously, it was astounding to see them and witness what was going on. This is a cultural problem for society. If people are comfortable behaving in this manner, we have a serious problem. People have to take personal responsibility for their actions, which result in greater costs to the community in which they live because of their irresponsible behaviour. RTE deserves plaudits for screening that programme.

The issue of spiralling insurance costs is a real problem for business. We have heard from the Labour Party that nothing is being done about it. The reality is that many things are being done about it. It is welcome that the PIAB will be in a position to deal with and process uncontested claims and make awards as appropriate. Initially, the PIAB will deal with employer liability claims and move on to public liability and motor insurance claims. That will happen in the short term and will not be prolonged and protracted.