Robbie Gallagher (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State back to the Chamber. I compliment our erstwhile colleague, Pádraig Ó Céidigh, on his excellent work on this area. I know the long hours he put into the Bill. As he is from a business background, he was acutely aware of the difficulties caused by not having proper legislation dealing with this area. On a side note, I was sorry to learn that he would no longer be with us. He was an excellent Senator who contributed significantly on a vast number of areas. The Seanad is poorer for his absence.

As regards the point made by Senator Ward on the renaming of the Bill, I agree with him that it was unnecessary. There was nothing wrong with the Title as drafted.

To move on to the substantive point, which has been covered by other Senators, this legislation is long overdue. It is sad to think that people will take the oath and lie for financial gain but, unfortunately, when it comes to the insurance industry, that is exactly what is happening. We have to send a clear message from both Houses of the Oireachtas that such behaviour will not be tolerated. Let us make no mistake about it: this is costing every man and woman money. Whether through motor vehicle, business or other insurance, everyone is paying for it and we cannot allow this practice to continue. I look forward to the House concluding the Bill today and it being enacted into law.