Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats) | Oireachtas source

I would like to raise the issue of spiralling insurance costs for small businesses, especially recreational businesses. In particular, I want to talk to about a company in north Wicklow, called Squirrel’s Scramble.

Squirrel’s Scramble is an extremely successful business in north Wicklow. It has operated for many years. It provides a key part of family life in the north Wicklow area. I would imagine most children have been through the facility. Those who own it offer a fun and challenging outdoor experience for children, which is exactly what parents want. Unfortunately, Squirrel’s Scramble has notified the community that it is being forced to close because of spiralling insurance costs. Those costs have risen from €26,000 to €88,000. That has happened without any change in the facility's operations and without any claims being made on its insurance. This is a real sign that there is a dysfunction in the insurance market at the moment. These costs are crippling this company and forcing it out of business, which is not acceptable.

This is a much broader issue and it is not just recreational businesses that are affected. Charities are also facing these crippling insurance costs. Something needs to be done because these are sorts of businesses and charities that hold our communities together and provide major services.

My understanding is that the Minister of State has agreed to meet with the company over the next couple of weeks. I wonder what tangible actions he can put in place to make sure that this company can reopen next spring. I know that the Government has put measures in place and that there have been changes to the insurance regime, but those changes are not trickling down and making an impact for businesses on the ground. They are also not impacting on the insurance premiums they are being charged.

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