Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I thank the Minister of State, Deputy Michael Ahern, for his presence. I also thank the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture and Food, Deputy Aylward, and the Tánaiste both of whom were here earlier. The Tánaiste advised me that she had another commitment this evening, otherwise she would have been interested in hearing the contributions from all sides of the House on this important issue.

I have some sympathy for the Opposition parties considering the amendments they tabled. I appeal to them to withdraw these as they are not really relevant. The Labour Party amendment states that only 20 of the 67 recommendations of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board have so far been implemented by the Government. Of the 67 recommendations, 23 have been implemented, three have been partially implemented, 28 are being actively progressed and the implementation of at least a further 12 is under consideration.

At the start of her speech, the Tánaiste made a very clear statement to the House on the progress of the Bill. She stated clearly that this Bill would be enacted before December 2003. It is important that this be enacted and that the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, PIAB, be fully operational by January 2004. Contrary to the article in one of the Sunday newspapers, there is no difficulty in the Cabinet, nor is there a problem with the funding of the PIAB by the Minister for Finance, who has enthusiastically supported the reform measures proposed by the Tánaiste and supported by the Cabinet.