Fianna Fáil TD for South Kildare, Fiona O’Loughlin has expressed her concerns over the pressure businesses are under which will force closures without Government intervention.
These concerns relate to the continuous increase of insurance premiums across the board and in particular, the claims against childcare facilities that is resulting in businesses not securing further insurance.
Speaking on this O’Loughlin said: “Small businesses, farmers, marts and community organisations are being hammered by rising insurance costs and some smaller family run companies say they may be forced to close if premiums continue to increase.
“I’ve been talking to some business owners in the childcare industry that are saying claims against them for minor, recoverable injuries are destroying the sector having any chance of further insurance.
“Fraudulent claims must be investigated which is why I am calling on the Minister for justice to establish a dedicated Garda Fraud unit for fraudulent insurance claims.
“Businesses have been active in voicing their support of this essential proposal.
“The Government must engage with insurance companies and work together to reduce pay outs for minor recoverable injuries and secure a guarantee from insurance companies that premiums would go down following this”, said Deputy O’Loughlin.
“We had an issue with motor insurance over the past number of years but this is now spreading out to public liability costs.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in the country, prices are rising across the board and more must be done to address it.”
O’Loughlin concluded: “This government has taken its eye off the ball on the issue of insurance and businesses up and down the country are paying the price.
“The Minister needs to wake up to the seriousness of the issue and step up to the mark in tackling insurance costs.”
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