Oireachtas Joint and Select Committees

Wednesday, 17 November 2021

Joint Oireachtas Committee on Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation

Impact of the Withdrawal of Covid-19 Measures on Business: Discussion

Photo of Matt ShanahanMatt Shanahan (Waterford, Independent)
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I ask Mr. McDonnell to elaborate on what he said about insurance access. We know that several underwriters have left the market, soft play outdoor adventure centres cannot get insurance and point-to-point racing is now out of insurance. Mr. McDonnell mentioned that judges are walking away from the recently revised book of quantum. Is there any opportunity for self-insurance? Could Government help sectors in setting up self-insurance?

Mr. Hughes mentioned hydrogen. Is he saying that Government will hopefully invest in that facility? It is a large amount of money. We have only one biomass facility in the country and that was mostly privately paid for. Does the Department have any plans in that area?

I am sure Mr. Hughes is aware the forestry sector is in trouble. Is the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment engaged with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine? The dairy industry has the potential to immediately reduce emissions by 30%. However, farmers will not go there until a benchmark is set for the actual carbon displacement. This might be something to be taken up with those involved in climate action.