Seán Fleming (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

As the Deputy has brought up the issue, I will not let it go, because what the Deputy said is utterly inconsistent with what his party spokesperson on finance said here last night. That is a reflection of the increased competition that we are seeing. However, both Deputies will know that I cannot comment on individual cases and speak to the insurance costs of individual companies due to many relevant factors that I am not privy to, such as the existence of open claims or other material information to the risk being insured that I would not consciously be aware of.

I also wish to acknowledge, and I say it genuinely, that it is good that the two Deputies have raised this issue today. The Minister of Health, Deputy Stephen Donnelly, has made direct contact with me. I told him yesterday that I would be happy to meet with the company. I am happy to arrange that as soon as possible. I have had no direct personal contact with the company but I am sure that it can be arranged. I will be guided by the people involved as to who attends that meeting. If the Deputies want to be part of that meeting, I am happy with that. I have no problem with that.

In relation to the specifics, the answer is that I cannot write an insurance policy for the company directly. I think everybody knows that. However, what I will endeavour to do is talk to Insurance Ireland and Brokers Ireland in particular, because perhaps some broker in another part of the country entirely may have some knowledge in this area. I am not offering any panacea but we will put the relevant parties in touch with the right people in relation to the issue.

That brings us back to the issue that has been mentioned, namely, the duty of care legislation. I agree with Deputy Brady that the legislation needs to be amended. People do sign forms accepting responsibility and they are in at their own risk but when push comes to shove, the courts take a different view and the insurance companies often have to make settlements. The duty of care provisions that we have do not stand up as the way the Deputy and I would want them to. It is in our action plan for insurance to deal with that specific issue by legislating, which we will be so doing. I will come back with a timetable on the issues. I will issue a regular update in relation to the insurance issue on a quarterly basis, with the next update being issued in the coming weeks.

The duty of care is a big issue and it affects many leisure industries around the country, where, on the face of it, there is high risk, but where there should also be parental supervision. People have to watch what they are doing, know what is appropriate for them and take care.

I am offering to meet representatives from the company mentioned by the Deputies and whoever else if they so wish.

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