James Lawless (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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121. To ask the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment if he plans to bring forward legislation in 2022 to address insurance costs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [60847/21]

Robert Troy (Longford-Westmeath, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will be aware the Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, which the Tánaiste chairs, published the Action Plan for Insurance Reform in December 2020. The Plan sets out 66 actions to bring down costs for consumers and business; introduce more competition into the market; prevent fraud and reduce the burden on business, community and voluntary organisations. This is one of the most important programmes of reform that this Government will undertake.

The Action Plan includes actions to be taken by my Department, the Department of Finance and the Department of Justice.

Following Government approval, the Department of Finance published the General Scheme of the Insurance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2021 (the Bill) on October 20, 2021, to enhance transparency and ensure consumer protection. The Bill covers a number of insurance-related matters. Drafting of the Bill has now commenced, and the General Scheme will undergo pre-legislative scrutiny in the coming weeks.

The Minister for Justice has noted to Government her intention to bring forward legislative proposals to reform the law with regard to Occupiers’ Liability and I understand that these proposals are at an advanced stage.

Regarding actions under the aegis of my Department, I am developing proposals to enhance and reform the Personal Injuries Assessment Board. Heads of a Bill have been developed in consultation with PIAB, which I am considering in consultation with the Attorney General’s Office. I expect to bring proposals for legislative reform to Government shortly.

I am also progressing legislation to strengthen competition law in Ireland. The legislation will break new ground in this area, giving competition authorities, such as the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC), enhanced powers including administrative sanctions and other tools in dealing with anti-competitive practices.

The full implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform will help to ensure that we have an insurance system which is both affordable and reliable and one which underpins a vibrant economy.