Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 16 June 2022
46. Deputy Paul McAuliffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on the impact of the Government’s proposed amendments to the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1995 and the impact that it may have on business insurance premiums; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29752/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy colleague, the Minister for Justice, is leading on this work to reform the duty of care, which represents a key element of the Government’s Action Plan for Insurance Reform.
As the Deputy is aware, the Government recently approved proposals to reform the law with respect to the duty of care, by amending the Occupier’s Liability Act 1995.
I welcome these proposals, which are in line with the Government policy objective of restricting the liability of occupiers, and include amendments to take account of recent case law which sought to rebalance the duty of care by occupiers and visitors.
The overall policy objective of the proposed amendments is to balance occupiers’ duty of care responsibilities with personal responsibilities, includes voluntary assumption of risk, including those of customers and members of the public.
There is a shared determination across Government to remove the impediment that high insurance costs present to our economy and communities.
As previously stated, it is my firm expectation that all savings from the Government’s reform agenda should be passed on to customers, and reflected in the premium paid.
Therefore, I believe it is important that any legislation introduced in this area is robust and will receive widespread support, so that it can achieve the intended policy impact.
The combined effect of these reforms is intended to lead to further reductions in insurance premiums, building on the success of the Personal Injuries Guidelines introduced last year.
I understand that the proposed legislation, which will be included in the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 is currently being drafted. I support these proposed reforms, which the Minister for Justice is driving and which deliver on a key commitment of our Programme for Government , and I look forward to seeing the published amendments in due course.
