I propose to take Questions Nos. 251 and 266 together.
I am aware that the affordability of public liability insurance is an issue for certain sectors, including for those involved in performance and the arts. As the Deputy will be aware, neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter which individual companies assess on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive).
Notwithstanding this, the Programme for Government recognises the need for a continued focus on insurance reform in order to tackle the issue of costs, including of public liability insurance. This focus is being driven by the Cabinet Committee Sub-Group on Insurance Reform, chaired by the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment, through the Action Plan for Insurance Reform.
One of the key achievements of this whole-of-Government reform agenda has been the implementation of the Personal Injuries Guidelines, which have significantly lowered award levels of many common injuries. The Guidelines should also help to bring more certainty to claimants and insurers, thereby reinforcing the benefits of using the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) to settle claims, which in turn should further reduce the costs of claims, particularly legal fees.
The Government is committed to ensuring that the benefit of the suite of reforms being pursued, including the Guidelines, are passed onto customers. In this regard, Minister of State Fleming has held two rounds of meetings with the CEOs of the major insurance providers in the Irish market, to discuss their response to the Action Plan, and we will both maintain a proactive engagement process throughout 2022 in order to hold industry to account in this regard.
In conclusion, the Sub-Group has a number of key areas of focus for 2022, including actions relevant to public liability insurance, such as reforming the duty of care legislation. Rebalancing the duty of care should help to address the issue of slips, trips and falls, which are particularly prevalent in footfall-intensive areas, and should contribute to easing the insurance difficulties facing artists and performers. I will continue working with the Minister for Justice, who is leading on this action, and with colleagues across Government, in order to ensure that the overall implementation of the Action Plan leads to improved affordability of insurance for all sectors of the economy, including the arts.
