Vol. 571 No. 4
187 Cecilia Keaveney asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, further to the Small Firms Association survey, the 2003 dirty dozen, 12 major problems facing business, the action which has been taken or is planned to remedy these most negative factors impacting on the ability of small business to invest, expand, develop and create new jobs; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [22285/03]
From my Department's point of view the major problem for business identified by the Small Firms Association's survey was insurance costs. Many of the other issues raised are very wide ranging and fall within the areas of responsibility of different Ministers. The isurance reform programme seeks to bring about a reduction in insurance costs by the insurance industry, for the benefit of consumers and business. It is proposed to achieve this by: improving the functioning of the insurance market; decreasing the cost of delivery of compensation; and investigating the competitiveness of the market. I am chairing a committee comprising the Ministers for Transport and Justice, Equality and Law Reform, as well as the chairperson of the Motor Insurance Advisory Board to oversee the implementation of the reform programme. Initial indications are that the reform programme is having the desired effect. There has already been some downward movement in motor insurance premia, with more reductions in the pipeline. Reductions in relation to employer's liability and public liability insurance costs, which currently represent a significant burden for business in Ireland, are also expected.
In general, the Government is well aware of the many problems facing small firms at present and is mindful of the continuing need to constantly improve all aspects of the business environment.
