David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Senator Gallagher for raising this matter and for the opportunity he has given me to update the House on it. I support the Senator in his work in continuing to highlight this matter because it is important. I agree with him on this. Tackling the cost of insurance requires a co-ordinated effort throughout the Government, State bodies, business and industry. The Departments of Finance, Justice and Equality, Business, Enterprise and Innovation and Transport, Tourism and Sport all have major roles to play, as do the Central Bank and the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. In addition, industry's input to the process is pivotal, particularly with regard to the provision of data and improving customer experience. Ultimately, one of the key indicators of the success of the recommendations in the reports on motor insurance and on employer and public liability insurance will be a greater level of consistency in award levels. This should, in turn, result in an increase in the number of Personal Injury Assessment Board cases being accepted by claimants as the need to litigate diminishes. I am sure the Senator will agree with the Minister of State, Deputy D'Arcy, that getting to this destination is highly desirable.

I thank the Leas-Chathaoirleach for this time. The House can rest assured the Government is doing everything in its power to push the issue of the cost of insurance along very quickly. The support of the Seanad in this matter is really appreciated.