Call For Action On Insurance Cost Crisis

Government must take urgent action to address spiralling insurance costs, the Labour Party has said.

It comes as a new survey from the State's Public Participation Network shows nearly half of community and voluntary groups around Ireland have had to cut back on activities and events due to the rising costs.

Labour spokesperson on Tourism, Councillorr Niall McNelis said government intervention should also target the setting up of group insurance schemes.

Cllr McNelis said: "Today's figures once again highlight that the soaring cost of insurance in this country is threatening the viability of hundreds of community events and activities.

"We've already seen many community and voluntary groups cut back on the number of events and activities, with many saying they may have to shut down completely if the issue isn't addressed.

"What is now needed is an industry wide review of insurance costs that impact these organisations, that includes investigating how much profit insurance companies are making.

"We also need to look at the development of pooled or group insurance schemes by tasking the insurance sector to come up with new products.

"These events play a vital role in bringing communities together across Ireland and it's important steps are taken straight away to ensure they continue to do so."