Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 29 September 2026
149. Deputy Peter Roche asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance the progress that has been made in reducing the cost and improving the availability of public liability insurance for community and voluntary organisations, including sporting clubs; and whether he is satisfied that insurance reforms are resulting in lower premiums for these organisations. [67434/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Government is committed to ensuring that Ireland’s insurance market remains competitive, transparent and capable of meeting the needs of consumers, businesses, community groups and voluntary organisations.
A key objective of the Government’s insurance reform programme is to create the conditions necessary for greater competition, support existing insurers in growing their operations and encourage new providers to enter the Irish market.
While premium levels continue to be influenced by factors such as claims costs, reinsurance costs, inflation and international market conditions, increased competition can help deliver greater choice and better value for policyholders.
The Government’s Action Plan for Insurance Reform 2025-2029: A Stronger Market, A Fairer Future contains a range of measures aimed at improving both the availability and affordability of insurance, including public liability insurance. These measures focus on strengthening competition, improving transparency and reducing barriers for new market entrants. These actions will foster a more dynamic insurance market that better serves consumers, businesses and community organisations.
A key component of this work is the Office for the Promotion of Competition in the Insurance Market (OPCIM), whose remit has been expanded in line with commitments in the Programme for Government-Securing Ireland’s Future. Working with the Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment and IDA Ireland, the OPCIM actively engages with international insurers to encourage entry into the Irish market, broadening the availability of insurance products, diversifying underwriting capacity and supporting more competitive pricing. The Office also facilitates engagement between insurers, brokers and representative bodies and has helped restore insurance availability in sectors that previously faced significant challenges, including childcare, adventure tourism, equestrian activities, inflatable hire and high-footfall hospitality businesses.
In his capacity as Chair of the Office to Promote Competition in the Insurance Market, Minister of State Troy engages on an ongoing basis with insurance companies and brokers to ensure that reforms result in increased competition and availability of cover for businesses. In terms of business and commercial insurance, existing providers have also indicated that they are expanding their risk appetite to underserved areas and various sectors are reporting reductions in the rate being charged for liability cover.
While pricing and market participation remain commercial decisions for insurers, increased competition and the impact of wider insurance reform measures can support improved affordability and contribute to downward pressure on premiums. The Government will continue to monitor developments to ensure that the benefits of reform are reflected in lower costs and improved access to cover for policyholders.
