Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I appreciate the importance of what the Deputy is saying and he is correct in his analysis of reduced awards but it takes time for that to be passed on in every respect to policyholders. There are other positive indications that the substantial reform programme is having a marked effect and the market is responding to it. It has been recently reported that new insurance firms are seeking to enter the Irish market, which would help provide more competition. That is an important market dynamic in reducing costs generally for consumers. Providers are also moving into areas that had previously proved problematic and been highlighted many times in this House, such as equestrian activities, childcare, non-standard buildings and inflatable hires, bouncy castles and so on. There is no doubt that issues remain and reform legislation is before this House to rebalance the duty of care, through amendments to the Occupiers' Liability Act 1995. That is an important pinch-point that has to be addressed. There is work to do on that, as the Deputy is aware.

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