Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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255. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection if she is aware there has been a high increase with public liability insurance which is having a direct effect on the local community employment schemes; and if she will ensure the increases are met by funding for the schemes. [31738/15]

Kevin Humphreys (Dublin South East, Labour)
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This Department has become aware in recent times of increases in insurance premiums for CE schemes. The main reason advised to the Department when this was queried on behalf of schemes was an increase in claims frequency over recent years by such schemes. The Department has been in consultation with the main insurers about the proposed increase and to seek to limit the incidence of future claims.

The Department recommends that schemes seek alternative quotes to ensure they get value for money in the first instance. Insurance premiums costs are reimbursed from the CE materials budget for the scheme. Schemes are asked to be especially mindful of their obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

The Department is not in a position at present to allocate additional monies to the materials budget in 2015. Materials budgets are allocated on an annual basis and are managed at divisional level. However, if there is a scheme experiencing particular difficulties, the sponsor should contact their local office in relation to this matter.

Schemes whose premiums are loaded due to their claims history will have to be reviewed by the Department on a case-by-case basis.