We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Dáil
‹ Ceisteanna ar Pholasaí nó ar Reachtaíocht - Questions on Policy or Legislation

Insurance costs and duty of care

Summary

Deputy Ó Murchú sought a timeline for duty of care legislation and more competition in insurance, warning that many leisure businesses are operating uninsured. The Taoiseach said several measures have already been taken, more legislation is under consideration, and a progress update will soon be published.

I wish to bring up the issue of public liability insurance and not for the first time. I want a timeline on when the duty of care legislation will go through. I also want to know if there have been any successes in the office for increasing competition in insurance, particularly in relation to public liability. This is because there are just not enough players in the industry. We are now at a disaster situation. I know that majority of leisure, entertainment and children's entertainment companies, particularly people who are operating bouncy castles, are operating without insurance at present. This is because they cannot get insurance. I am engaging with Insurance Ireland myself. I am also engaging with the Government. We really need to deal with this because it is an absolute disaster. This is the case for community centres, community groups and for businesses. Local authorities will not be able to carry out events. This is a huge issue.

Comment on this

The Deputy's time is up, but he is passionate about the issue of bouncy castles.

Comment on this

First, a whole range and raft of measures have been introduced to reduce insurance costs. I will not go through all the details here. In fact, an update and progress report will soon be published by the Minister of State, Deputy Fleming. Motor insurance has come down by 10% but the bulk of other insurance costs have not yet come down. This is notwithstanding the changes that have been made in the legal system around awards and other measures that have been introduced. Legislation is under consideration. Some legislation about occupier's liability and so on is before the House at the moment. A range of legislative measures is being taken and of course, the PIAB legislation is being piloted by the Minister of State, Deputy Troy.

Comment on this