News - Federation of Irish Sport

Alliance welcomes publication of liability insurance report – 12% reduction in awards demands reduction in premiums – legal fees increasing

Jul 13, 2023

The Alliance for Insurance Reform welcomes the publication by the Central Bank of the 1st Mid-Year NCID Employers’ and Public Liability Insurance Report.

Alliance welcomes publication of the NCID Liability Insurance Report
With the cost of settlements down 12% insurers cannot continue to delay premium reductions and increases would be unconscionable

Legal fees per case are increasing across all channels with a 57% increase for claims settled directly, 17% increase for those settled through PIAB and 9% for the cases that are settled through litigation

Legal fees account for almost 38% of settlement costs in 86% of cases – a cost that goes directly to the cost of insurance.

Commenting on the release of the report, Michael Magner, owner of the Vienna Woods Hotel in Cork and board member of the Alliance for Insurance Reform said: ‘the data contained in this report allows for a meaningful analysis of the liability insurance sector in Ireland as the Judicial Guidelines take effect. This is critical as liability insurance premiums are all too often a crippling cost for small businesses, voluntary and community groups, sports and cultural organisations and charities.’

He continued: ‘The total cost of settling liability claims is down by 12% due to a reduction in the volume of settled claims and the average cost of settling them. Importantly, it appears that insurers are sticking to the Judicial Guidelines in terms of direct settlements. In light of these reductions there is a compelling argument to pass on savings to liability policy holders without any further delay and any premium increases would simply be unconscionable.’

The Alliance calls on the Minister for Finance Michael McGrath and the Minister of State Jennifer Carroll MacNeill (who holds particular responsibility for insurance) to ‘hold insurers feet to the fire’ on this and deliver the long overdue premium reductions.

The NCID figures also reveal that legal fees account for 38% of the total cost of litigated personal injury settlements in Ireland – a cost that goes directly to the cost of insurance.[1] The report also indicates that legal fees per case are increasing across all channels since 2020 with a 57% increase for claims settled directly, 17% increase for those settled through PIAB and 9% for cases settled through litigation (the majority of cases).[2] Alliance Board member Michael Magner called on the Minister for Justice ‘to expedite the ongoing review of legal fees[3] and take all necessary steps to ensure a meaningful and sustainable reduction in legal fees.’

See Table 11, p. 20 of the NCID report.
See Table 11, p. 20 of the NCID report.
https://www.rte.ie/news/business/2023/0601/1386761-insurance-campaigners-seek-overdue-report-on-legal-fees/

Justice Plan 2022, p.28

Notes:

Source: 1^st Mid-Year NCID Employers’ and Public Liability Insurance Report, Central Bank, Table 11, p. 20

Sports Capital & Equipment Programme 2023 announced with increased thresholds for local and regional projects

Jul 12, 2023

From Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media

Published on 12 July 2023

• Local project maximum grant increased from €150,000 to €200,000

• Regional project maximum grant increased from €300,000 to €500,000

• Specific focus on climate action, sustainability and gender equality

The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Sport and Physical Education, Thomas Byrne T.D., today announced that a new round of the Sports Capital and Equipment Programme (SCEP) will open for new applications from 17 July. The SCEP is the Government’s primary vehicle for providing support to sports clubs and communities to develop sports infrastructure around the country.

Applicants for local projects can now apply for up to €200,000, increased from the previous maximum grant of €150,000. The maximum valid grant available for projects deemed to be of regional significance has been increased from €300,000 to €500,000.

In addition, this year’s SCEP “Guide to Making an Application” has a focus on climate action and sustainability for the first time, supporting local clubs to take steps to reduce their energy consumption and applying for more efficient lighting.

For the first time in the history of the SCEP, projects will only be considered for grant support if access is guaranteed to men and women on equal terms. As one of the stated objectives of the Programme is to increase female participation, all applications for funding of women-only facilities will be deemed valid for consideration.

Minister Martin said:

“This is excellent news for sports organisations that have plans to improve their facilities and wish to avail of support. The Programme has already made an enormous difference to communities in every part of the country. To encourage as many people to participate in sport and physical activity as possible, we need to have appropriate sports facilities and equipment. The new round of the Programme will again prioritise applications from disadvantaged areas, those that target people with disabilities, and projects that share facilities amongst different organisations and sports. In relation to changes to the scheme, I am very pleased that applications for improvements to swimming pools will be accepted for the first time. I also welcome the fact that, for the first time, the “Guide to Making an Application”, as published today, has a specific focus on climate action and sustainability issues.”

Minister Byrne said:

“I have seen at first hand the huge difference that Sports Capital and Equipment Programme grants make to sports clubs and community groups across the country. I am also very aware of the impact that construction inflation has had on our sports clubs and community groups in recent years and I am delighted to note that we are increasing the maximum grants available under the Programme. Ensuring equality in sport has been a particular priority for me since my appointment. Under this round of the Programme, applicants that do not provide access to facilities on similar terms to male and female users will not be eligible for capital funding. As one of the stated objectives of this Programme is to increase female participation, all applications for funding of the very small number of women-only facilities will be deemed valid for consideration. This new requirement is highlighted in the Guide to Making an Application which is available to download on the Department’s website.”

The first step in obtaining a grant is to register on the Department’s online system

and the Ministers encouraged any clubs that are not already registered to do so now. Clubs can register at www.sportscapitalprogramme.ie .

Once registered, all applications must be made on the same website. The system will be open for applications from 17 July to 8 September.

The “Guide to Making an Application” was also published on the Department’s website today and can be found here: gov.ie/sportscapital . The Guide essentially sets out the terms and conditions of the Programme. A review of the 2020 round of the Programme was published in May and all of the main recommendations have been included in the Guide.

Notes for editors

The Sports Capital and Equipment Programme is the Government’s primary vehicle for supporting the development of sports facilities and the purchase of non-personal sports equipment. Grants are available to voluntary, not-for profit sports clubs, community groups, National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of sport and local authorities. Third level colleges, Education and Training Boards (ETBs) and schools may only apply for funding jointly with sports clubs or organisations.

A detailed list of projects that the programme funds can be found in the “Guide to Making an Application” and includes:

• Natural grass sports pitches, tracks and courts (including pitch drainage)

• Energy Efficient Floodlighting

• Artificial sports pitches, tracks, courts and multi-use games areas

• Security fencing, ball stop netting and goal posts

• Hurling walls / handball alleys

• Building or refurbishment of dressing rooms, showers and toilets

• Building or refurbishment of sports halls and gyms

• Non-personal sports equipment.

• Modifications to sports facilities to reduce energy consumption

• Any other capital projects that are clearly sporting in nature and that will increase participation in sport or improve performance

Further information about the programme including details of all previous allocations can be found at gov.ie/sportscapital .

The Review of the 2020 Round can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/84105-review-of-spo¬rts-capital-and-equipment-programme-2020/

Applications can be made online only from 9am on 17 July until 5pm on 8th September 2023.

Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Announce Details of 2023 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme

Jul 12, 2023

The 2023 Sports Capital and Equipment Programme will open for applications at 9am on Monday 17th July 2023 until 5pm on Friday 8th September 2023. The deadline for registration is 5pm on Friday 25th August 2023.

Full details and a 2023 Guide to Making an Application can be found at https://www.gov.ie/en/service/d13385-sports-capital-programme/?referrer=http://www.gov.ie/sportscapital/

CEO Meeting with Minister Thomas Byrne, TD

Jul 7, 2023

Meeting with Minister for Sport

On June 28^th accompanied by Bryan Hughes, Senior Associate, A&L Goodbody our CEO Mary O’Connor met with Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne and department officials regarding proposals for Taxation Reform for the sector under Action 3.7 of National Sport Policy Action plan. The Federation is the lead body on this action as set out in the National Sports Policy, Sports Action Plan 2021-2023. The action states ‘Taxation reform can assist this drive for more funding diversity in Irish sport, not just for high performance sport but also for grassroots sport.’ Examples of how taxation reform could be implemented are:

- Elimination of €250 eligibility threshold for S. 847A TCA relief on donations to sporting capital projects
- Extension of S. 847A TCA relief to include donations for certain current expenditure.
- VAT cost mitigation and potential for reduced rates
- Granting charitable status to NGBs
- Incentivisation of personal exercise opportunities

A more detailed approach to taxation reform will be set out in the Federation Pre-Budget Submission in the coming weeks.

Morton Games International Athletics 2023

Jun 29, 2023

28^th of June 2023

Press release: Morton Games International Athletics 2023

Morton Games Officially Launched

Morton Games International Athletics 2023 was officially launched today in the Morton Stadium Dublin. Morton Stadium has recently undergone a €3m refurbishment project led by Dublin City University which included the installation of a new Mondo track. Morton Games on July 14th will be the first major event to take place in the Stadium since completion of those works in mid June.

In addition to the Stadium upgrade Morton Games itself has also undergone an upgrade and is now a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Meet and will now feature additional events in an exciting programme of non stop international athletics climaxing with the iconic Morton Mile. In attendance at today’s launch were athletes Cathal Doyle (Clonliffe Harriers) and Amy O’Donoghue (DSD) both of whom will be competing in next month’s meet.

The international programme on the night will commence with the women’s 100 hurdles which has drawn a world-class entry including Ireland’s Tokyo Olympian, European Games bronze medalist and World and European finalist Sarah Lavin. Also confirmed are top international hurdlers Ebony Morrison (LBR), 2022 African silver medallist and Liz Clay (AUS), 2 time Australian champion and Alicia Barrett (GBR).

Other feature events this year will include the Albie Thomas 5000, and marking the 65th anniversary of Santry’s summer of world records, members of the legendary Australian’s family will be guests at this year’s meet. A top-class field has been put together for this race including Spain’s Abdessamad Oukhelfen, 10th in last year’s European Cross Country, Phil Seseman, who finished top Briton in this year’s London Marathon, Tom Mortimer (GBR) and from the host club Clonliffe Harriers Efrem Gidey.

New this year is the women’s javelin where the field will include Olympian Jo-Ane Van Dyk (RSA) and Jenni Kangas (FIN), both of whom are 60m plus throwers. The men’s high jump also makes a welcome return and again a top-class entry including including Mpho Links (RSA), Juozas Baikstys (LTH) Jef Vermeiren (BEL), all 2.27m men and Stefano Sottile (ITA) 2.33m.

Finally the Morton mile itself where there will be an attack on the Stadium record of 3.51.82 set by Will Leer (USA) in 2014. Confirmed for the Morton mile are Cathal Doyle, who finished 2nd in last year’s epic race, Irish U/20 star Nick Griggs, Ryan Mphahlele (RSA) who has a 1500 pb of 3.32.90 and Jye Edwards (AUS) the fastest miler in the field with a 3.49.27 PB.

Men’s events– 100, 400, 800, the Morton mile, Albie Thomas 5000, High jump, Shot Put.
Women’s events – 100 hurdles, 200, 800, 1500, High jump, Javelin

Morton Games International Athletics – Facts at a glance:

What: Morton Games International Athletics.
Where: Morton Stadium, Santry, Dublin.
When: Friday, 14th July – International programme from 7pm, with Pre-programme from 5.45pm.
Tickets: Available online at www.mortongames.ie at a cost of €10 with U/16s free.

Confirmed Irish athletes include Sarah Lavin, Phil Healy, Louise Shanahan, Georgie Hartigan, Nick Griggs, Paul Robinson, Sharlene Mawdsley, Chris O’Donnell, John Fitzsimons, Fearghal Curtin, Efrem Gidey, Eric Favors, Mark Smyth, Cathal Doyle, Kate O’Connor (in the 100 Hurdles, 200m and Javelin!)

Confirmed international athletes include Kyle Langford (GBR), Izzy Boffey (GBR), Ryan Mphahlele (RSA), Jye Edwards (AUS), Ebony Morrison (LBR), Lynsey Sharp (GBR), Guy Learmonth (GBR), Stefano Sottile (ITA), Richard Kilty (GBR), Liz Clay (AUS), Michaela Meyer (USA), Mpho Links (RSA), Jo-Ane Van Dyk (RSA), Erin Shaw (AUS).

Further details and news updates at: www.mortongames.ie

All Morton Games media-related enquiries including Event Accreditation should be directed to: mortongamesmedia@gmail.com

Alliance welcomes new duty of care legislation. Calls on Ministers to commence it and use it to leverage reductions in insurance costs immediately .

Jun 29, 2023

PRESS RELEASE

29^th June 2023

Change in the duty of care marks a significant rebalancing of the duties owed to visitors by occupiers and ensures a fairer allocation of personal responsibility across society.

The Alliance calls for the immediate commencement of this section of the legislation so that hard-pressed policy holders can begin to see the benefits intended by it.
Minister Carroll McNeill needs to make good on her promise of savings for policy holders.

The Alliance for Insurance Reform welcomes the passage of The Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill 2022 through the Houses of the Oireachtas last night. This legislation includes a significant reform of the duty of care which, if commenced quickly and implemented fairly, rebalances duties owed to visitors by occupiers and ensures a fairer allocation of personal responsibility across society. We expect the new rules regarding the voluntary assumption of risk to afford protection to a whole swathe of activities where risks are willingly accepted by people well able to comprehend the nature and extent of those risks.

Flora Crowe, Alliance Board member and grocery stores owner has called for “the immediate commencement of this aspect of the legislation so that hard-pressed policy holders can begin to see the benefits intended by it”.

Having previously highlighted the number of personal injury claims in Ireland, average personal injury awards and insurance fraud as barriers to lower premiums, insurers have in recent times highlighted the need for these amendments to the duty of care as a condition for lower premiums. “Now that this legislation has completed its progress through the Oireachtas, we expect incumbent insurers to deliver lower premiums immediately as the risk associated with every new or renewed policy has just reduced significantly” Flora said.

Recently* asked when policy holders could expect to see savings arising from this change in the legislation, Minister Carroll McNeill was unequivocal:

“When that legislation goes through during the summer, I will be picking up the phone and inviting the CEOs in here to have that very direct conversation with them again. Because the legislation will be passed then, [and] there is literally no excuse after that.”

We call on the Minister to make good on this promise without delay.

*RTE Primetime, 11^th May 2023 – Insurance costs crippling adventure tourism, say centre owners (rte.ie)

For further information contact: Brian Hanley, CEO, Alliance for Insurance Reform at brian@insurancereform.ie or 086 862 0974

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