Maria Byrne (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I raise an issue that affects many of us around the country, namely ice rinks. In many towns and cities, ice rinks appear at Christmas. Many people visit them from schools and from families who get great joy. They usually last six to eight weeks. This year, they are finding it difficult to get the insurance. Normally their insurance comes through London where ice rinks are able to get it. It is usually between €10,000 and €25,000 for the period. One ice rink operator from Limerick told me he has had no claims over the past 17 years, yet many companies have been quoted €300,000 to operate for the six-week period while some have received quotes that are even greater. When ice rinks are lit up it is very festive. It is associated with the Christmas period. It would be a shame if ice rinks did not operate in Ireland this year. I do not know where we can raise this but it is something that needs to be raised to see if it can be resolved.