Hunting insurance issue raised in Dail

THE difficulties surrounding getting insurance for hunt clubs nationwide was also raised in the Dail this week by Tipperary TD Jackie Cahill (FF), who serves as chairman of the Agriculture Committee.

Tanaiste Leo Varadkar TD (FG) stated that some sectors are finding it very hard to get insurance and suggested that those affected get together as a group and engage with an insurer to secure cover.

Deputy Cahill asked: “Does the Government have any plans to ensure that insurance companies are obliged to give a quote for companies in certain sectors, especially those providing recreational activity and sports services, including water parks, hunting and point-to-point racing? There is an issue arising now whereby no insurance company is giving quotes for those companies and it is a huge problem for the recreational activity and sports sector.

“Has the Government any plans to address that part of competition law to ensure organisations at least have the ability to get a quote in respect of the activities they provide?” asked the Tipperary TD.

Pointing out that insurance reform is a priority for the Government, Tanaiste Leo Varadkar said: “At the most recent Cabinet committee meeting on insurance, we did an assessment of sectors where it is not possible to get insurance. That involved speaking to insurance companies and brokers. There is a small number of sectors where it is not possible to get insurance at the moment. We are following up on that and trying to understand it better to see what we can do to help the situation. I understand it would be possible legally to require insurers to give a quote, but that might not be the solution because the quote given could be cost-prohibitive. That would not provide the solution we need.

“One thing that can work is an engagement between the industry affected and the insurers. We nearly got into a situation a year or two ago where there was no one willing to quote for childcare providers. The sector got together and, by making some changes, it was possible to get an insurer to cover them. That might be what is required in some of the high-risk sectors to which the Deputy referred. Changes they make can make a difference and make them more insurable.”