Vol. 261 No. 13
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any consideration has been given to the likely effect on insurance costs of this country's entry into EEC; whether he is in a position to forecast any likely increases; and whether any consultations with insurance companies have been held.
30.
asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether any consideration has been given to the impact on the insurance industry following this country's accession to the EEC.
With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I propose to take Questions Nos. 29 and 30 together.
The effect on the insurance industry has, of course, been examined as part of the general examination of the economic effects likely to occur from membership of the EEC. The Irish insurance companies have been consulted in connection with this examination. I am confident that accession will not be detrimental to the interests of the Irish insurance industry. Without more precise information on the particular costs which the Deputy has in mind it is difficult to give an estimate of the effect of membership on insurance costs but I have no reason to believe that membership will result in an increase in these costs.
