Jennifer Whitmore (Wicklow, Social Democrats)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

172.To ask the Minister for Finance if he is aware that there is a lack of insurance cover available to cover children's activity and sporting summer camps (details supplied); if he plans to engage with this sector on this issue; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24661/24]

Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

At the outset, I wish to reassure the Deputy that I recognise the concerns felt by some sport and recreation clubs regarding insurance cover. Officials from my Department have engaged with representative groups in the sector and have determined that there does not appear to be a widespread issue with market capacity. Notably, last summer, the rebalancing of the Duty of Care—one of the primary "asks" from both the insurance industry and reform advocates—was accomplished. Consequently, amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1995 should yield significant benefits for businesses, sporting groups, and community and voluntary organisations. Over time, cost savings from fewer claims should help lower premiums for these organisations, especially those involved in high-risk or high-footfall activities where 'slips, trips, and falls' claims are common. This will particularly benefit the tourism, hospitality and recreation/activity sectors.

One of the key changes in the law now allows for a broader range of scenarios in which it can be demonstrated that a visitor or customer has voluntarily assumed a risk resulting in harm. Besides being a legislative change, I am hopeful this development will initiate a cultural shift in the claims environment in Ireland, aligning us more closely with our European Union counterparts. It is crucial that we, as legislators, collaborate with other stakeholders to raise awareness of the new Duty of Care landscape, thereby empowering organisations such as sport and recreation clubs to secure insurance cover from their insurers or brokers.

Insurance reform is a top priority for this Government and is being pursued through the Action Plan for Insurance Reform and the latest Implementation Plan shows that the vast majority of actions are either implemented or underway. I would like to assure the Deputy that the Government intends for the implementation of the Action Plan to positively affect the affordability and availability of insurance across all sectors of the economy, including sporting and recreational activities.