Donegal Deputy Pearse Doherty is calling on the Taoiseach to set up and lead a Ministerial Task Force to address the insurance crisis after Ireland’s creches were dealt with a blow this week.
Ironshore Europe, one of Ireland’s biggest insurers for childcare, is reportedly set to withdraw from the Irish market, leaving just one main company operating from January 2020.
Deputy Doherty said that childcare providers who were insured with Ironshore Europe could face closure if they cannot get alternative cover or their premiums rise with the switchover and a lack of competition.
He called on the Taoiseach to immediately set up and lead a task force with key Ministers to deal with the impending crisis.
Speaking today, Deputy Doherty said: “Without exaggerating, this has become a full-blown crisis across several sectors. Not just childcare, but community and voluntary groups, the leisure sector and small businesses.
“The Government have failed to take the failure of the insurance market, and its impact on businesses, seriously. The Minister responsible for the insurance sector doesn’t even sit at the Cabinet table.
“From the opposition benches Sinn Féin have called for immediate reforms in the insurance sector; from the set up of a dedicated Garda Insurance Fraud Unit to the banning of dual pricing by insurance companies. My Consumer Insurance Contracts Bill, which would strengthen the position of consumers in their contracts, is due to pass all stages in the Seanad this week.”
Deputy Doherty said the issue cannot be ignored any longer: “I am calling on the Taoiseach to set up and lead a Ministerial Task Force to address the insurance crisis; not as just another talking shop but to take immediate action. This Task Force should include the Minister for Finance, Minister for Business, Enterprise & Innovation and Ministers representing the most affected sectors, including the Minister for Children & Youth Affairs.
“This Task Force should meet with the industry and affected sectors, find solutions and deal with this crisis before it ends with the mass closure of businesses and childcare providers across the State”.
