Mary Butler (Waterford, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank Mr. Maye. The cost of insurance has been a common theme among the delegates who have appeared before the committee to discuss the cost of doing business, a topic on which we have spent a substantial amount of time. It was raised as an issue of significant concern in the majority of submissions received from business organisations during the summer of 2017. Many organisations highlighted the significant increases in the cost of public and employers' liability insurance facing their members. At our last meeting we heard from representatives of the Retail Jewellers of Ireland and the Irish Pharmacy Union who because of the nature of their businesses had very serious concerns about insurance costs. Their members are open to a lot of abuses by way of theft, shoplifting and even, in some instances, vandalism. The cost of public liability insurance has been particularly problematic. Reports of claims tourism have also been made to the committee. The delegates might factor it in when giving us some of their answers.