Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 27 October 2004
148 Mr. S. Ryan asked the Minister for Education and Science if her attention has been drawn to the fact that one fifth of primary school insurance claims are attributable to children falling, tripping or slipping in schools yards; if she is intent on continuing to ignore the spiralling costs of insurance in schools; if she has proposals to alleviate the high costs of insurance in schools; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [26126/04]
Amharc ar fhreagraResponsibility for arranging insurance cover on school property and against public liability is a matter for the managerial authorities of primary schools.
Funding is provided to primary schools by way of per capita grants, which affords schools considerable flexibility in the use of these resources to cater for the needs of their pupils. In my view this is, in general, a preferable approach to putting in place grants for specific cost items such as insurance. I also hold the view that moving to a position where the Government covers the insurance costs of primary schools may encourage the insurance sector to keep increasing premia on the basis that the State would meet the cost. I believe such an approach would also reduce the incentive for school management to reduce risks.
I am committed to improving the funding position of primary schools in the light of available resources. The significant increases in the funding of primary schools in recent years is a clear demonstration of this Government's commitment to prioritise available resources to address the needs of schools.
In the case of primary schools the standard rate of capitation grant has been increased from €57 in 1997 to €121.58 per pupil from 1 January last, an increase of almost 113%.
The CLÁR primary school outdoor play facilities enhancement scheme, which was launched in March 2004, is jointly funded by my Department and the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with each Department contributing €500,000 in the current year. The scheme is aimed at improving outdoor play facilities in small rural primary schools in CLÁR areas.
Tackling the difficulties that are being caused by high insurance premiums is a clear priority for the Government. A key concern to which the Government is giving priority is the cost and availability of liability insurance. In this context, a comprehensive set of inter-related measures, across a number of Departments, has been announced which is designed to improve the functioning of the Irish insurance market.
Key initiatives relating to the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment include the establishment of the Personal Injuries Assessment Board, which was established by ministerial order on 13 April 2004, and the undertaking of a joint study into insurance by the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment in conjunction with the Competition Authority.
Key initiatives relating to the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform include reform of the law in relation to personal injury claims. The Civil Liability and Courts Act, which includes measures to tackle fraudulent and exaggerated claims and streamline the law in relation to personal injury claims, was enacted on 21 July 2004.
