Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 21 January 2026
77. Deputy Claire Kerrane asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the financial and other supports that are available to small community groups in meeting the cost of insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [4792/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI would like to thank the Deputy for raising this important issue. Community and voluntary groups are at the heart of local life, providing recreation, promoting social cohesion, and creating opportunities for people of all ages. It is essential that they have access to appropriate and affordable insurance so they can continue to operate and deliver meaningful benefits within their communities.
It is important to note that the decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover, and the price at which it is offered, is a commercial matter for insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept and the need to make adequate provisioning to meet these risks. Neither I, as Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, have the power to compel insurers to provide particular types of insurance or to provide it at a particular price. This is reinforced by the European framework for insurance (Solvency II Directive).
My Department, through the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market (OPCIM), continues to prioritise increased competition and capacity across the insurance sector, including insurance for community groups. The OPCIM plays a key role in engaging with insurers, brokers and a wide range of sectoral representatives to address gaps in insurance availability and encourage new market entrants.
There are signs that the market is responding positively to the Government’s insurance reform agenda. Insurers are increasingly entering areas that had previously experienced difficulties in obtaining cover, and the number of insurance ‘pinch points’ has reduced significantly. Insurance is now available in previously difficult areas such as: equestrian activities; classic car hire; inflatable hire; leisure activities; sports clubs, play centres, and high-footfall SMEs such as pubs.
Following the successful launch of its Community Insurance Scheme for Tidy Towns groups, Irish Public Bodies (IPB) Insurance is also actively exploring opportunities to expand its offering to community and voluntary organisations. The company is currently focused on ensuring the existing Tidy Towns scheme is implemented smoothly and that any issues are addressed quickly.
Like all insurers operating in Ireland, IPB is subject to the EU Solvency II Directive, which imposes strict capital and governance requirements designed to protect consumers and safeguard financial stability. While this framework is important for maintaining trust and resilience, it does place constraints on the type and level of risk insurers can take on. Notwithstanding these constraints, I am encouraged by IPB’s continued engagement in the community and voluntary insurance space and by its commitment to explore further opportunities in this area.
Government policy remains firmly focused on creating a sustainable, competitive, and resilient insurance market. A key focus of the OPCIM will be building upon the previous Government's achievements in insurance reform, progressing the impact of these reforms and continuing to encourage increased capacity within the Irish market, to ensure that consumers, such as small community groups, can access affordable insurance cover.
