Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Deputy for raising this issue, which is impacting on many businesses, people and homeowners throughout the country. The Government is very aware of the affordability issues and the difficulties very often with getting adequate insurance cover and availability of cover for certain businesses, particularly in the leisure sector and the sector the Deputy has just outlined. Unfortunately, there are no silver bullets here. The Government has taken action through a range of measures in our action plan for insurance reform. This has involved the implementation of the personal injuries guidelines to replace the book of quantum six months ahead of schedule. The Deputy is correct that the PIAB report on what has happened since has shown a substantial reduction in the amount of awards issued. We want to see this followed through in reduced premiums from companies. The insurance industry needs to come up to the plate and respond to the changes the Government has made in terms of insurance.

We have also established an office in the Department of Finance to promote competition in the insurance market. The Central Bank has published its national claims information database report on employer and public liability insurance and completed its report review on differential pricing in the motor and home insurance sectors. The Criminal Justice (Perjury and Related Offences) Act has been enacted. This places perjury on a statutory footing for the first time. An insurance fraud co-ordination office has been established in the Garda national economic crime bureau. The insurance (miscellaneous provisions) Bill is being developed. This will enhance transparency and reinforce protection of consumers. This is the range of measures the Government has already introduced, but we need to do more.

The Minister for Justice is bringing forward legislative proposals to reform the law on the Occupiers' Liability Act and the duty of care. These proposals are at an advanced stage. The Minister will bring these to the Government and we will take them forward and bring them to the House. It is relevant because it will help to address the slips, trips and falls issue, which is very prevalent in footfall intensive areas such as the leisure industry and activity-related pursuits. There is detailed analysis of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board Act 2003 with regard to making a number of legislative amendments to increase the number of cases settled by PIAB without recourse to litigation. The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment under the Minister of State, Deputy Troy, have developed the heads of a Bill in collaboration with PIAB. The Minister of State is progressing this in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General.

There is a Cabinet subcommittee on insurance reform. There is an onus on the industry to respond to the reforms that have taken place and that are taking place. We are particularly conscious of companies such as those referenced by the Deputy, with regard to trampolines and the leisure industry more generally, particularly those looking after children's recreational interests and the difficulties they are having. We will continue our engagement with the industry to ensure provision and access to cover is there.

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