Castlecomer Discovery Park welcomes Minister Charlie Flanagan’s challenge to the insurance industry to justify “extraordinary” increases in insurance premiums.
“We are encouraged to hear that the Government is putting insurance reform high on its agenda. We welcome the Judicial Council legislation for personal injuries guidelines, and hope that this is will have a knock-on effect on the insurance industry and their premiums.” Kathy Purcell, Castlecomer Discovery Park
Figures published from the Courts Service annual report for 2018 has revealed a major drop in the level of personal injury awards, negating the argument from the insurance industry that the rising claims were at the root of the rocketing insurance premiums.
“Our social enterprise has created over 27 full time equivalent jobs, attracted 130,000 visitors to the town of Castlecomer and has positively impacted on the regeneration of the town. Rising insurance costs are causing significant issues for our operation and are jeopardising our ability to continue providing a recreational resource for the community” Kathy Purcell, Castlecomer Discovery Park.
Speaking after the report’s launch, Mr Flanagan said the insurance industry must do more to justify “what has been an extraordinary increase in premiums that I don’t accept is down to awards”.
The minister said it was “absolutely essential” to have consistency in the level of awards and that he believed a council framework would ensure this.
