Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 19 January 2016
136. Deputy Robert Troy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Social Protection her proposals to deal with community employment schemes where their insurance per participant has increased six-fold in some instances; and if she is aware of this and the measures she will take to assist schemes and to ensure their sustainability. [2318/16]
View answerThis Department has become aware in recent times of increases in insurance premiums for CE schemes. The main reasons cited for this is an increase in claims frequency over recent years by such schemes. The Department has been in consultation with the main insurers and brokers about the proposed increase and to seek to limit the incidence of future claims.
The Department recommends that schemes seek alternative quotes to ensure they get value for money in the first instance. Insurance premiums costs are reimbursed from the CE materials budget for the scheme. Schemes are asked to be especially mindful of their obligations under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.
The Department is not in a position at present to allocate additional monies to the materials budget in 2016. While materials budgets are allocated on an annual basis, if there is a scheme experiencing particular difficulties, the sponsor should contact their local Intreo office in relation to this matter.
