Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister of State. As I said in my introductory remarks, the cost of business insurance is causing a real crisis around the country. I have a list of examples. A hotel in rural Ireland has seen its insurance costs increase from €22,000 to €40,000. A small pub that serves food has been quoted €45,000 for insurance. An issue seems to have arisen with litigation-based insurance, such as employer liability and public liability insurance, because of the lack of predictability and the inconsistency in court awards. In some cases, businesses are taking the risk of not having any insurance at all. They are being forced to take that crazy risk so that they can stay in business. I need to see a sense of urgency in tackling this issue. We will hold the Government to account on the implementation of the good report that has been produced on the motor insurance issue.

We urgently need a similar body of work.

There is some commonality around the injuries board, awards and so on. I ask the Minister of State to understand the urgency and gravity of the situation, which has already closed the doors of many businesses around the country.

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