Helen McEntee (Meath East, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Having met and engaged with the Alliance for Insurance Reform, many members of it and, indeed, members of my community, I am very aware that there is no silver bullet and that a single action is not going to facilitate the changes we need. Of the 66 actions, 51 of which have been completed, we are starting to see changes in some, not all, areas.

In the context of some of the larger items, such as the guidelines issued last year, it takes time for the changes to be seen and reflected in our pockets and for those in our communities as well. As outlined, in the context of the legislation, whether it is in publishing the amendments themselves, we are focusing on two things, namely, that we codify what is already being seen in judgments that are being handed down and where common sense is being applied. In recent court rulings, there have been dismissals or reductions in awards. In addition, we want to introduce a voluntary assumption of risk. It is very clear what that means. It means that if you walk into a place, area or setting where you may hurt yourself and you are aware of that, you cannot make a claim afterwards. I appreciate that this is extremely important for many businesses. That is why I have every intention of dealing with this matter quickly as possible through the civil law (miscellaneous provisions) Bill that is due in the coming months.

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