Athy Rugby insurance crisis
Deputy O'Loughlin warns that Athy Rugby Club may close because it cannot get public liability insurance and asks how clubs and community groups can be protected. The Minister says representatives have met the club and argues the Judicial Council Act should improve insurance pricing before Christmas.
I wish to raise a really important issue regarding insurance. Athy Rugby Football Club, which has been in existence since 1880, survived two world wars and provided provincial and international players, sent a message to all its members yesterday telling them that it cannot get any quote for public liability insurance and might close its doors and grounds on 9 December. Will the Government stand over organisations like sports clubs and community organisations along with businesses not being able to get public liability insurance? It is appalling. Fianna Fáil has introduced a number of Bills that would help address this but the Government has completely stalled on the database in terms of claims. The Government must intervene. What is it going to do about it?
Comment on this
Perhaps the Minister of State, Deputy D'Arcy, will respond when he has an opportunity.
Comment on this
I will put on the record of the House that the Minister of State, Deputy D'Arcy, and Deputy Heydon met Athy Rugby Football Club in the past number of days, discussed this issue and, I hope, gave it lots of reassurance that because of the passing of the Judicial Council Act in this House in July, it will see a real and positive impact before Christmas on insurance prices and indeed the claims culture in this country.