Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail)

I join Senator Hannigan in welcoming the decision of the Financial Regulator to allow Quinn Insurance to recommence underwriting business in the United Kingdom. It is my understanding that this business equates to just over 10% of its existing business in the United Kingdom. It is worth bearing in mind that 55% of Quinn Insurance business was UK-based while 95% of the workforce is in this country. The workers are rightly worried about their future. I understand the joint administrators submitted proposals to the regulator to allow Quinn Insurance to start underwriting up to 90% of the existing business in the United Kingdom and this will ensure the safety of the jobs of more than 1,500 people depending on the UK business for their livelihoods. I urge the regulator to act with haste in allowing the joint administrators to recommence underwriting the UK insurance which is so vital to the livelihoods of so many people in this island.