Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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185. To ask the Minister for Finance if her officials will assist a community group (details supplied) that is struggling to get insurance. [6785/23]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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This Government recognises the fact that a number of outdoor/high-footfall activity sectors, including equestrian pursuits, are facing difficulty in terms of affordability and availability of insurance. It has therefore prioritised the implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform. The latest Action Plan Implementation Report demonstrates that significant progress has been made, with 90 percent of the actions contained therein either delivered or initiated. Work remains ongoing on a whole-of Government basis to ensure the timely implementation of the remaining elements of the Action Plan. Of particular relevance are the proposed amendments to the duty of care. The policy intent is that these measures will have a significant impact on the issue of slips, trips and falls, and thus should assist the sporting and outdoor activity sector as a whole.

Officials in the Department of Finance have engaged with stakeholders in the equestrian industry to ascertain the scale and scope of the issue. I understand that a group insurance scheme for hunt clubs has been in operation for some time, which is centrally organised by a broker, and which covers a range of activities. However, this scheme does not provide cover for non-members taking part in events organised by such clubs. In this regard, it is important to note that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter which individual companies assess on a case-by-case basis. Therefore, I am not in a position to direct insurance companies as to how they price their policies or what terms and conditions they apply in those policies.

Securing a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland remains a key policy priority for this Government. Therefore I would like to emphasise that it is my intention to work with my Government colleagues and ensure that the implementation of the Action Planwill continue to have a positive impact on the affordability and availability of insurance for all individuals, businesses and community groups across the country.