Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Ulick Burke's comments on a particular insurance company. It is a question of ambulance chasing as far as settlements are concerned. A procedure is in place now. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board, which was established by the Oireachtas and the former Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Harney, has proved to be a successful vehicle for the settlement of cases in an orderly and proper manner. The book of quantum that has been agreed is now part of the established approach and should be adhered to. The newspaper that raised this issue has served a purpose. I am delighted that Senator Burke raised in the House the need to make people aware that they should not agree to supposedly urgent settlements which are made on the basis of trying to save costs. The insurance companies are benefitting from this approach. The Personal Injuries Assessment Board, which is bedding down very well, should be allowed to deal with such cases in a proper, orderly and transparent manner. I thank Senator Burke for raising this issue.

I join Senator Maurice Hayes in complimenting the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Brennan, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern, for bringing about an all-Ireland travel pass system. It is wonderful that people can use their free travel passes to go north, south, east and west. As applications must be made for the passes in question, I urge pensioners who are eligible for the scheme to apply. People on both sides of the Border must apply directly for the pass, which is separate from the standard pass.