I propose to take Questions Nos. 102, 108, 109, 110 and 111 together.
I again reassure the House that extensive consultations have been held by our Department with all of the interested parties and representative bodies in regard to all aspects of the draft regulations. All of the interests concerned have been given ample opportunity to furnish submissions and to seek clarification and modification, as appropriate, of the proposed regulations. Similarly, the Society of Actuaries has consulted widely in relation to the formulation and content of the accompanying actuarial guidance notes. I understand that submissions have been made to the society by brokers representatives in relation to particular aspects of the guidance notes, including the treatment of corporate advertising as a cost element. I have asked the society, in consultation with our officials, to consider all of the submissions from the point of view of the maintenance and indeed the strengthening of the equivalence concept as between the various life assurance distribution channels and the creation of a level playing field as far as is practicable between providers of life assurance products.
The question of the exclusion of all occupational pension schemes, large and small, is being considered by our Department in the light of representations made by the Pensions Board, the Department of Social, Community and Family Affairs and other interested parties. The question of appropriate disclosure provisions relevant to creditor insurance, which is a particular form of life assurance taken out in connection with a personal loan, is also being considered by our Department.
