Noel McCarthy (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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300. To ask the Minister for Finance the status of the community insurance initiative for tidy towns announced in January 2025; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7260/25]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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As Minister for Finance, I welcome the innovative partnership between Irish Public Bodies Insurance and Local Authorities that will ensure that Tidy Towns have insurance to continue their work in keeping our towns clean, presentable and attractive for residents and visitors alike. Irish Public Bodies Insurance is working with a number of local authorities while the initiative is in its pilot phase.

I also recognise and appreciate that Tidy Towns groups play a vital role in communities across Ireland, and are engaged in a wide variety of activities; it is therefore essential that any insurance package provides adequate cover and encompasses as much as IPB’s risk appetite will allow. In this context, this pilot scheme will permit all parties to resolve any issues which might arise before the project is considered for roll-out on a national basis.

This innovative collaboration between Irish Public Bodies Insurance and local authorities further illustrates the effectiveness of the government’s insurance reform agenda and is an extremely welcome development, both in terms of the overall health of the market and for Tidy Towns groups themselves. The implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform has brought significant benefits to consumers, with insurance capacity now available in previously problematic areas, such as hospitality, leisure activities and community groups.

The new Programme For Government-Securing Ireland’s Future sets out a range of commitments to build upon the reforms delivered to date in the insurance sector. A new Action Plan for Insurance Reform is being developed which will outline a range of deliverables in a number of Government Department policy areas, and will be published in due course. The new action plan will add to the significant progress made under the previous plan, which has created a more sustainable market and improved conditions for both domestic and international insurers.

In conclusion, seeking to secure a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland remains a key priority for this Government. Government policy remains focused on ensuring that the benefits arising from the entire reform programme are realised, for consumers, businesses, and community and voluntary groups across Ireland.