Insurance costs for small businesses
Deputy Doherty described severe insurance cost pressures on small businesses, especially children's soft play centres facing closure. The Tánaiste said insurance legislation was already progressing and acknowledged particular concern for play areas, while Deputy Calleary interjected about the Government's long timeframe.
I have just come from the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, and Taoiseach, which has been hearing from small businesses about the serious impact on them of the cost of insurance increases. We heard from Ms Linda Murray from Navan, who operates a soft play centre. She was very brave as she recounted her personal story. She broke down before the committee as she begged us to save the livelihoods of her staff and to give children somewhere to play. She has 25 days before her centre closes because no one in Ireland will insure soft play areas and the only company in Britain that does so has refused. A different company in Navan closed down just six weeks ago and another in Cork will close by the end of the month. Every soft play area across the country will face a similar fate.
The Government has dithered and dallied on this issue. All the while, the clock is ticking for the future of these centres and their staff. Will the Tánaiste ask the Minister for Finance to convene an emergency meeting with the insurance industry so as to ensure appropriate insurance cover is given to these vital services?
Comment on this
It is not true to say that we have been dilly-dallying on this issue. There are three Bills dealing with insurance and we have had some success in respect of motor insurance in particular on the back of recommendations from a report. We are also implementing recommendations on the cost of insurance for small business. The Deputy is right, though, in that there is a particular concern regarding children's play areas. I have attended a number in my town with my children and spoken to their owners. They are under enormous pressure and cannot stay in business if they must pay the increases. Some cannot even get insurance at any price. Besides passing the legislation, this is an issue that the Government needs to take action on in the short term. I will speak to the Minister directly about what the appropriate course of action is.
Comment on this
The Government has only had eight years.