For an issue which has been flagged as the Government's number one political priority, I do not accept that the Government's progress on this matter is commendable, as the motion suggests. We are faced with a situation where the majority of the MIAB report recommendations have yet to be implemented. Instead of having an increased presence of insurers in the market, we now face the apparent departure of one of the main market operators in the country. Instead of creating a competitive and vibrant market for insurance business, it now seems that the market for insurance will become even more concentrated. Recent media reports which suggest that Eagle Star may leave the Irish market are deeply alarming. The Tánaiste should make it clear to the Competition Authority that she is opposed to Eagle Star being acquired by any existing player in the Irish market. It is not in the interest of consumers or business to see one less player operating in this market.