428. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding the insurability of wheelchairs in Ireland in terms of the liability for wheelchair users for any damage that may be caused by the use of their wheelchair; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [65358/26]

429. Deputy Barry Ward asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the position regarding any engagement he has had with the insurance sector in relation to the insurability of wheelchairs in Ireland in terms of the liability for wheelchair users for any damage that may be caused by the use of their wheelchair. [65361/26]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 428 and 429 together.

Neither I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland can intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as such decisions are commercial matters for individual companies, assessed on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance, as set out in the Solvency II Directive.

Aids and appliances for people with disabilities come under the remit of the Minister for Health. The Health Service Executive (HSE) provides a wide range of medical and surgical aids and appliances free of charge under the Community Funded Schemes to eligible patients, following assessment by a relevant health professional. Wheelchairs are among the many products provided. In general, HSE-funded aids and appliances are replaced where theft, loss, or third-party liability occurs. Those aids and appliances which fall outside of the HSE scheme may be covered by private health insurance or be self-funded.

Insurance Ireland, the representative body for the insurance industry, have advised that it is not aware of any insurer currently offering a dedicated third-party liability insurance product for wheelchair users in the Irish market.

Central to enhancing the availability and affordability of insurance is work of the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market (OPCIM). The OPCIM has played a central role in engaging with both existing insurers and new market entrants to broaden their risk appetite. Minister of State Robert Troy, in his capacity as Chair of the OPCIM engages on an ongoing basis with insurance companies and brokers to ensure that reforms are passed on to consumers resulting in improved coverage and reduced premiums.

The Government is firmly committed to addressing the cost and availability of insurance through implementing the reforms set out in the Programme for Government and the Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029. These reforms are intended to deliver tangible improvements in cost, choice, and access for consumers.