Jul 6, 2021
Stresses that only reductions in premiums will prove that actions are working
Urges Government “don’t leave anyone behind” in insurance reform plans
The Alliance for Insurance Reform has welcomed the Government’s publication of the first implementation report of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform.
Peter Boland, Director of the Alliance said that “We welcome this report and the actions it summarises. But the plan can only be deemed to be working when insurance premiums start to fall. The cost of insurance is based on future risk; and future risk has halved as a result of the new judicial Guidelines in place since April 24th. But there in no evidence that insurers are passing on the benefits of these reductions.
“Additionally, all the reform that has happened or is promised to happen is of no value to SMEs or voluntary & community groups if they cannot get insurance cover or there is only one underwriter prepared to offer cover. We have identified 35 sectors1 in this predicament.
“It is up to the Government to apply relentless pressure on insurers to react to significant reforms with significance price reductions and it is up to Government to ensure more competition is brought into the Irish insurance market now. We urge the Government to avoid leaving any sector behind as insurance reforms are implemented.”
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NOTE: The Government’s press release is copied below.
1Sectors, sub-sectors and groups of individuals that are struggling to get cover at all right now or are reduced to one underwriter who is effectively in a monopolist’s situation (even if this in inadvertent, because other underwriters have pulled out of the market) include:
- Adventure centres that deal with children
- Artists, arts workers and arts organisations
- Bike hire shops on greenways and elsewhere
- Bouncy castle operators
- Caravan & Camping Parks
- Car rental
- Childcare providers
- Childminders
- Children’s’ play centres
- Children’s playgrounds (non-local authority)
- Circuses (both community and commercial)
- Climbing walls
- Coasteering
- Drivers of older cars
- Equestrian sports
- Festivals and events
- High ropes (adventure centres)
- Home care providers
- Ice skating
- Incoming tour operators
- Independent marts
- Karting tracks
- Late night venues
- Minority sports
- Mountain biking
- Nursing homes
- Outdoor adventure centres
- Private scheduled buses
- Street artists
- Taxis
- Trampoline centres
- Travel agents
- Tyre depots
- Vehicle recovery operations
- Young drivers
For further information contact:
Peter Boland
ALLIANCE FOR INSURANCE REFORM
TEL: 086 826 6036
WEB: insurancereform.ie
FB: /insurancereformireland
TW: @InsuranceRefIre
Jul 2, 2021
As you will be aware, on Tuesday, June 29, the Government of Ireland announced the next phase of re-opening which will see some modification to the plans provisionally announced for July. A cautious approach with an emphasis on lower-risk activities will be followed.
Details of the full announcement can be found on the Gov.ie website here. Key highlights relating to sport and physical activity are summarised below:
- The number of spectators permitted at outdoor sporting events will increase as planned, to a maximum of 200 attendees for the majority of stadia, and to 500 for stadia/venues with capacity greater than 5,000, with appropriate protective measures.
The following is not yet permitted:
- Indoor activities, such as organised events, return of group training, exercise and dance classes will not yet proceed. It is anticipated that this will be a short-term delay, provisionally until July 19, pending the development of an appropriate risk-management system by Government.
Sport Ireland will continue to provide any additional or relevant updates to the sector in advance of July 19th. Should sporting bodies have specific queries in relation to how restrictions impact their sport, please feel free to contact the NGB, High Performance or Participation Units for further details.
Sporting bodies are requested to continue promoting safe practices regarding travel to/from training and competitions, management of access and egress points, the appropriate management and scheduled cleaning of toilets facilities and ensuring appropriate Covid Officers are present to implement best practice guidance.
International Travel
The current government advice is to avoid non-essential international travel. From July 19th, subject to the prevailing public health situation, Ireland will operate the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) for travel originating within the EU/EEA.
Return of Spectators
In a step-wise manner towards full spectator return, pilot events will continue to be rolled out throughout July. These pilot events provide an opportunity for spectator return whilst assessing the implementation of the necessary protective measures. Sport Ireland invites engagement from NGBs with capacity and capability to safely deliver events with a spectator attendance greater than the numbers permitted in the public health guidance.
Jun 29, 2021
The Federation of Irish Sport note the announcement of a delay to upcoming plans to reopen indoor sport and physical activity on July 5th. We have been working to establish the key facts for our members as well as seeking clarification on a number of items following the government announcement today. Once further information and clarification has been sought a statement will be issued to members.
Thank you for your patience.
Federation of Irish Sport
Jun 29, 2021
Football is back for Irish players with vision impairments at three new regional training centres in Cork, Galway and Dublin with the support of four of Ireland’s top clubs – Cork City, Lakewood Athletic, Mervue United and Bohemian FC – and the FAI’s Football For All programme.
Mervue United FC in Galway will become the first club in the West to dip their toe into this new format of the game after representatives from the club met with the FAI and nominated coaches to participate in a blind football coaching workshop and sighted guide training last month. Co-ordinated by Robert Connolly, the club has now appointed coaching staff and are currently embarking on a recruitment drive.
The vision impaired football development initiative is being driven by Padraig Healy, sports development manager with Vision Sports Ireland, alongside FAI Football For All Development Officers Nick Harrison, Paul Smyth, Johnny Morris Burke and Emer Flatley as they work together to create structures that will support the growth of Grassroots blind and vision impaired football and a pathway to the already established international team. Nick said that the game suits players of all ages and abilities and aside from the obvious health benefits of being involved in sport, VI and Blind players involved in the other centres have shown improved spatial awareness, communication skills and physical confidence.
New players of all ages and abilities, coaches and volunteers are currently being recruited for Mervue United’s Vision impaired / Blind Football team. Players interested in getting involved should contact club coordinator Rob Connolly on 0851406344 or robconnolly184@gmail.com
Jun 29, 2021
The first annual coordinated Open Weekend took place across the Bowling League of Ireland, 25th -27th June, taking place in 15 clubs across Ireland. It gave people across the country the opportunity to try the sport by finding their local club and turning up over the weekend.
People showed up in their droves to try out the sport and it was a massive success for all clubs involved. We had all ages and abilities on the greens with games for kids and competitive fun for adults too, we were also able to facilitate wheelchair bowlers. Some coaching of the basics was given as people stepped onto the green and after that it was all about getting the feel for it and enjoying the day.
Encouraging people to take up the game won’t end with the Open Weekend initiative as clubs are encouraged with the message that every day is an open day at each club.
For more details on how you can find your local club check out the Facebook page facebook.com/proirish.lawnbowls and website irishlawnbowls.ie
Jun 29, 2021
Galway Sports Partnership (GSP) has launched its new virtual physical activity challenge. Race around Galway is GSP’s biggest and most ambitious challenge yet and is aimed at those who are looking for some inspiration to start their fitness journey or motivation to keep their journey going strong throughout 2021.
The programme asks participants to cover the equivalent mileage of the circumference of Galway, 356 miles / 573 km by walking, running and/or cycling. Entrants can start the programme anytime from 1st July but must have reached their target by 31st December. Entrants to this virtual challenge will use an app to record their progress and enter a leaderboard or alternatively, they will be asked to upload their mileage online.
As the participant reaches significant milestones along the way, GSP will arrange for participants to receive a postcard of a beautiful Galway landmark to promote the amenities on offer along with some information on local walks and hikes.
The programme starts on 1st July and will run throughout the remainder of 2021. There is a charge of €20 per person and upon completion, the participant will receive a specially commissioned, Galway inspired medal and a t-shirt as a memento for this incredible achievement.
“When designing this programme, we were adamant that we wanted to promote the whole county this summer whilst incorporating a big challenge. We have a huge appetite in Galway for activity, challenges and competition and this programme definitely meets all three!
AS the different lockdowns lifted, more and more people went out discovering their locality and what they found was unexpected. There is an appreciation for our surroundings and how lucky we are to be in Galway like never before.
We know this is an ambitious challenge but when broken down, a 45 min walk 3 times a week will go a long way to achieving this incredible goal! This programme is for everyone, irrelevant of ability, fitness, background or location, don’t be intimidated by the high number of kms, take your time and work towards your goal your way. In the end, the beautiful medal and t-shirt really add to that sense of achievement.
We also wanted to cater for those who have not had a chance to visit Galway in so long. The medal and t-shirt are designed to bring a closer connection to Galway for participants, whilst the postcards bring to life why Galway is so special and provides inspiration for excursions in the future.
It is no secret that we live in the most beautiful county in the country and this summer, we found a way to promote Galway and keep people active at the same time. There will be plenty of tips and guidance on where some of Galway’s hidden gems are located and how both entrants and their families can explore them safely throughout the summer.
By combining exercise with enjoying and exploring places in and around Galway, we believe this is the perfect programme to get out, get active and explore.”
- Louise Burke, Galway Sports Partnership Coordinator
For more information regarding the Race Around Galway, please see Galway Sports Partnership Facebook page or email galwayactive@galwaycoco.ie
To enter, go to Galway Sports Partnership on Facebook or on Eventbrite https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/158890005283
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