Jun 25, 2025
· Alliance releases 2025 Insurance Survey Findings:
o Premiums continue to rise
o Lack of trust in insurers and the legal profession
o No support for increasing awards
o Consumers yet to benefit from the reforms.
· “Government risks being seen as ‘completely out of touch’ if it approves an increase in personal injury awards that will see insurance premiums skyrocket – do they not know people just can’t afford it”
Today the Alliance for Insurance Reform publishes the findings of a significant survey it undertook with small and medium businesses, sports, community and voluntary groups in respect of their liability insurance cover in recent months. It received a very substantial 775 responses, and the findings are striking:
· Almost three quarters of respondents have seen their premium rise in the last two years, notwithstanding recent government reforms. It should also be noted that these increases are occurring at a time when the volume of claims is reducing, awards are coming down and insurance companies are making record profits.[1]
· One in five organisations have only one underwriter willing to provide insurance cover. This is a perilous state for them to be in, and we need to see rapid delivery of the government’s commitments to increase competition in the liability insurance market.
· 90% of respondents said they have not benefited from the government’s action plan on insurance reform. The last government undertook an extensive programme of reform, and it must be galling for them to see the benefits of these reforms not being shared with policyholders.
· 67% of policyholders have seen added exclusions, increased excesses or both in recent years. This essentially means people are now paying more and getting less.
· 76% of respondents said they have not had a claim in the past 2 years.
· Four out of five people believed claims were unnecessarily extended by the legal profession to increase their fees. We know from a recent Central Bank report[2] that liability awards are the same on average whether a claimant settles at the Injuries Resolution Board or via litigation. It is therefore astonishing that almost 70% of claims (equating to almost 90% of the overall value of liability claims) continue to be settled in litigation. This is an area that requires much greater examination.
· 95% of respondents did not believe insurers when they said they were passing on savings to customers.
· 93% of respondents said they did not believe it was appropriate or necessary for personal injury awards to be increased at this time. The Minister for Justice is currently poised to recommend a 17% increase in awards to Cabinet in the coming weeks, notwithstanding the fact that awards in Ireland are higher than virtually anywhere else, and he is about to do so in the context of ever rising insurance premiums. It is obvious to everyone what will happen to premiums if this increase goes ahead.
Speaking about today’s survey results grocery store owner and Alliance board member, Flora Crowe said: ‘the Government risks being seen as ‘completely out of touch’, if it approves an increase in awards that will see insurance premiums skyrocket – do they not know people just can’t afford it’.
‘It is only a few years ago that the Personal Injuries Commission found that awards here were 440% higher here than in England. The Personal Injury Guidelines brought them down a bit, but premiums have continued to go up. If they increase awards now, the Minister for Justice is guaranteeing that my premium goes up considerably. Motor insurance costs are certain to keep going up as well; I just don’t see how Ministers and TDs can support it.’
‘I run a small business like many other people, and the cost of business is already the biggest concern facing us and now the government looks set to make it worse. Where is the SME test in all of this? The increase will undo so much of the good work done on insurance reform by the last government. The findings in this survey couldn’t be clearer – I hope common sense will prevail, but I am very worried.’
The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 47 civic and business organisations from across Ireland including the Federation of Irish Sport, representing over 55,000 members, 700,000 employees, 614,000 volunteers and 374,000 students in highlighting the negative impact of persistently high premiums and calling for real reforms that will quickly reduce liability and motor insurance premiums to affordable levels and keep them that way.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: contact@insurancereform.ie
1. Premium increase will not be limited to businesses, sports and community groups. Motorists will also see their premiums rise sharply in a market where premiums have been on an upward trend for at least 18 months. The Central Bank NCID report for the first half of 2024 showed a sharp rise in motor insurance premiums of 9% in just the first 6 months of last year. CSO data has tracked increases in the cost of car insurance every month since then.
2. The most recent NCID liability report from the Central Bank published in March 2025 found that premiums increased by 4% in 2023 and have increased by 17% since 2020, despite a range of government reforms. The liability market has also proven highly profitable for insurers, showing an operating profit of 13% in 2023 (2.5 times greater than international norms).
3. The same NCID liability report showed that average legal costs are less than €1,000 for cases finalised at the Injuries Board but over €23,000 once it enters into litigation, whilst awards for claimants were the same in either channel (also at €23,000). Almost 70% of cases settle in the litigation channel.
4. If we continually review upwards personal injury awards every three years and it takes two and a half years to settle a claim at the Injuries Board, claimants will simply hold on a few months and bring their case into litigation. Not only will awards increase but legal fees will increase the cost of claims exponentially.
5. The Alliance for Insurance Reform brings together 47 civic and business organisations from across Ireland, representing over 55,000 members, 700,000 employees, 614,000 volunteers and 374,000 students in highlighting the negative impact of persistently high premiums and calling for real reforms that will quickly reduce liability and motor insurance premiums to affordable levels and keep them that way.
6. Please see below (and attached) infographic of today’s survey findings:
Nov 4, 2024
There was welcome news today for those who were successful under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund across a multitude of sporting activities. Congratulations to those in receipt of the funding and the communities set to benefit from the improved local facilities.
· €173 million Allocated to Major Sports Projects
· Minister Catherine Martin and Minister Thomas Byrne announce €173 million in grants for 35 projects across Ireland under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF).
· Record allocation under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund follows record funding announced under the Community Sport Facilities Fund
· New “use it or lose it” funding rule to ensure the most effective spend and new requirement to ensure similar access for women and men to all sports facilities
· Remaining valid LSSIF applications to be placed on Reserve List for funding as additional LSSIF funding becomes available.
The Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, Catherine Martin T.D., and the Minister of State for Sport, Physical Education and the Gaeltacht, Thomas Byrne T.D., announced today (4 November 2024) the second round of funding allocations under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund (LSSIF). This follows the first LSSIF round of allocations announced in January 2020.
The total amount of grants awarded is €173 million, benefiting 35 individual projects. With this announcement, the cumulative investment from the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund since 2020 now reaches €297 million. A comprehensive list of the successful applications is included here.
The current allocation of €173 million follows earlier announcements this year, which included €26 million for sports equipment and €230 million under the Community Sport Facilities Fund, bringing the total investment in sports capital and recreation for 2024 to €429 million.
All applications submitted under the LSSIF Fund were required to have the prioritised endorsement of a National Governing Body for Sport (NGB) or a Local Authority. This prioritisation was one of a number of factors taken into account in the assessment and ultimate ranking of projects. It was informed by factors such as the potential to enhance sports participation, sustainability, similar access for both men and women, and the ability to execute the project within a specified timeframe.
A number of sporting disciplines will benefit under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, including football; Gaelic games; athletics; basketball; rugby; hockey; swimming and water-based sports; cricket; golf; and cycling.
In parallel, though outside of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund, funding towards the design costs will be allocated to swimming pool projects in Buncrana and Mullingar, to assist the projects. This has been done given the strategic importance of developing swimming pool infrastructure, in line with the recently-published National Swimming Strategy.
Projects allocated LSSIF funding will now proceed to further evaluation and due diligence processes, which will vary in extent and nature based on the size and specifics of each project.
A new “use it or lose it” clause has been introduced which will ensure that if there has been no drawdown of any part of a grant within 2-3 years (timelines may vary from project to project), or before a new LSSIF round is announced, the grant offer will be deemed withdrawn.
In relation to the LSSIF applications which have not received an allocation, the Department will publish a reserve list in the coming period on which all valid applications will be placed and assessed. When additional LSSIF funding becomes available, it is envisaged that projects on the reserve list can then be funded.
Speaking at the announcement today, Minister Martin said:
“The advantages of engaging in sports, regardless of age, are profound both mentally and physically. To meet our ambitious goals of increasing participation in sports, it is essential to have facilities like these.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund plays a crucial role in our strategy to enhance physical activity and well-being among the population. By investing in these significant projects, we are ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or ability, has access to high-quality sports facilities. This funding will help to create a legacy of sporting excellence in Ireland, inspiring future generations to engage in physical activity and pursue their sporting ambitions.
Through this unprecedented investment, the government is establishing a foundation for a more promising future in sports and recreation, emphasising accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement.
The journey towards building a more active and healthier nation continues, and these projects will play a crucial role in achieving that vision. The standard of facilities has also improved greatly through Government investment in recent years and I have no doubt that these facilities will inspire more people to participate in sport in the future. I look forward to see this funding in action”.
Speaking at the announcement today, Minister Byrne said:
“This funding underscores our commitment as a Government to seeing sport prosper in communities across Ireland. The major sports projects funded under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund encompass a wide variety of sports and activities, reflecting the varied sporting interests of communities nationwide. From multi-sport complexes to specialised facilities for individual sports, these investments aim to cater to the needs of athletes, clubs, and local communities.
The Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund emphasises the significance of collaboration among government entities, local authorities, and national governing bodies in enhancing sports infrastructure. Through cooperative efforts, these organisations can ensure that funding is allocated to projects that will most effectively promote sports participation and community development.
Inclusivity in sports is paramount and thanks to the implementation of the new Similar Access Requirement, we have ensured that women and men will enjoy similar access to all sports facilities, which are publicly funded.
As a government, we are dedicated to offering opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to engage in sport. The record investment in sport facilities announced this year under both the Community Sport Facilities Fund and Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund illustrates our ongoing commitment. I am confident that these projects will create new and enhanced opportunities for individuals of all ages and backgrounds to participate in sports to the fullest extent”.
In welcoming the announcement, the Minister for Public Expenditure, NDP Delivery and Reform, Paschal Donohoe T.D., said:
“The funding announced today under the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund demonstrates the Government’s strong commitment to investing in our sports facilities. Sport enriches our lives and provides immeasurable benefits to community life. I greatly look forward to seeing the major sports projects supported under this round of the Large Scale Sport Infrastructure Fund coming to fruition for the benefit of communities across Ireland.”
Feb 29, 2024
Outstanding Achievement Award Recipient for 2023 Announced.
The Federation of Irish Sport today recognised recipients of the 2023 Volunteers in Sports Awards, celebrating their dedication and giving freely of their time locally to make sport happen. Proudly supported by the National Network of 29 Local Sports Partnerships the committed volunteers from all across the country were honoured at an awards ceremony with special guest speaker Minister Thomas Byrne, Minster of State with responsibility for Sport and Physical Education presenting the 32 county awards.
In addition to the 32 county individuals being recognised, Eoin Kelly of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club in Co. Cork claimed the overall Outstanding Volunteer Award. His exceptional impact on the development of the sport of table tennis made him stand out as this year’s overall worthy winner. Eoin is a long standing member of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club in Cork city. His particular area of focus is on disability and in particular how to provide competition for people with disabilities.
The vital role of volunteers in advancing sports participation and community development cannot be underestimated or taken for granted. The economic significance of volunteering has an estimated value of €1.5 billion annually to the Irish economy. This figure underscores the immense social and economic benefits derived from the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the Irish sporting landscape.
Speaking at the awards, Minister Thomas Byrne noted; “Volunteers are the backbone of Irish sport and I am delighted to see their vital contribution recognised and celebrated by these awards. As Sport Minister, I am acutely conscious of the challenges involved with volunteering and I recently welcomed the publication of the Sport Ireland Policy on Volunteering in Sport, which sets out an ambitious vision for a sports sector with the best volunteering culture in the world. The success of Irish sport would not be possible without the many thousands of volunteers that willingly dedicate their time every week, in every part of Ireland, to help others enjoy their sport and I want to thank every volunteer for their valuable contribution.”
Federation CEO Mary O’Connor commented; “We are delighted to bring together the 2023 recipients of the Volunteers in Sport Awards from all over the country to receive their award from Minister Byrne today. Without this army of volunteers in clubs all around the country we would not have the level of grassroots participation that we do. It is important to take this time out and show our appreciation to the many unsung heroes of sport. We have heard today how sport can have such a meaningful and positive impact on our physical and mental health. And these volunteers are the conduit to providing that benefit.”
Commenting on the announcement of the list of recipients, Head of Sport, Louth LSP, Louth County Council and member of the judging panel Graham Russell stated, “The 2023 Volunteers in Sport Awards serve as a reminder of the power of volunteering in sport, celebrating individuals whose unwavering dedication enriches lives, strengthens communities, and encourages a culture of active living. It was hugely rewarding to hear the stories shared here today how sport is breaking barriers, significantly benefits both our physical and mental well-being and is a vehicle for driving inclusivity and participation for all ages, abilities and demographics.”
29 February 2024; Eoin Kelly of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club, Cork with his Outstanding Achievment Award during the Federation of Irish Sport Volunteers in Sport Awards at The Crowne Plaza Hotel in Blanchardstown, Dublin. Photo by Seb Daly/Sportsfile *** NO REPRODUCTION FEE ***
Outstanding Achievement Award Winner:
Eoin Kelly is a long standing member of Beech Hill Table Tennis Club in Cork city. His particular area of focus is on disability and in particular how to provide competition for people with disabilities. When he quickly realised that while Special Olympics offered a path to disabled athletes it lacked competition. Eoin therefore established the first ever competitive league for Special Olympic athletes. Soon there were 50 clubs throughout Munster and Leinster in the league. Following on from this Eoin next set up mixed ability play in Beech Hill TTC where people with disabilities and mainstream players played together. During the Pandemic Covid halted play for many people with underlying health conditions. At Beech Hill, Eoin introduced weekly social Zoom play-from-home sessions with a coach and Special Olympic players. It was a tremendous success. Since then, Eoin has helped to grow Para table tennis in Munster, particularly for players with intellectual disability (ID). Table tennis players with ID play at Classification 11 in Paralympics. Class 11 players were not being classified in Ireland by Paralympics Ireland, so could not play in International competition. Eoin has been instrumental in changing this – introducing Classification for ID players in table tennis in Ireland. As Chairperson of Munster Table Tennis Association (mainstream and para players), Eoin has re-grown the sport in Waterford, Kerry, Tipperary, Clare, Limerick and Co. Cork. He is introducing the sport in more schools and where necessary has even sponsored tables. Eoin is a most deserving winner of our award for Cork and ultimately the Volunteers in Sport Outstanding Achievement Award for 2023.
Dec 21, 2023
Click image to view video.
Dec 12, 2022
‘Give the gift of nominating a standout volunteer in your club’
12th December 2022: The Federation of Irish Sport today announced the launch of the 2022 Volunteers in Sports Awards. The county awards will return to an in-person awards ceremony, recognising the army of volunteers who make sport happen in communities, in every county across the country. Nominations are now open at www.volunteersinsport.ie. The awards are #DedicatedtotheDedicated.
The 2022 awards will be celebrated in the Greater Dublin Area at the beginning of March 2023. Nominations are open from Monday 12th December via the dedicated awards website. Entries will close on the 25th January 2023. Nominations received will be shortlisted and put forward for consideration by the Judging Panel. Winners are chosen on a county basis, with 32 award recipients and one overall Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Volunteers are the cornerstone of sporting activities in clubs and communities nationwide. Unpaid, they give freely of their time, energy and are dedicated to the development of their chosen sport. Over 450,000 volunteers are needed on a weekly basis to run club activities, giving on average 3½ hours per week. The estimated economic value of volunteering in sport and physical activity is worth €1.5bn. Without them sports clubs would not exist.
Commenting on the announcement Minister of State for Sport and the Gaeltacht, Jack Chambers, TD said, “It’s an honour to be part of the launch of these national awards, recognising the many volunteers who are the backbone of local sports clubs in every community across the country. They are responsible for making sure weekly training sessions take place, managing teams, organising inter-club matches, ensuring pitches, courts and clubhouses are kept operational most importantly bringing communities together through sport. Last year’s winners represented a wide variety of sports and all ages of volunteers. I would encourage all club members to reflect on who they know in their club that has made a difference and had a positive impact in their community through their dedication to their sport.”
Mary O’Connor, CEO of the Federation of Irish Sport said, “I am delighted to launch the return of the Volunteers in Sport Industry Awards. While the awards were successfully hosted online for the last two years due to the pandemic, nothing beats the warmth and connectivity of gathering in-person to recognise the selfless work being done by volunteers behind the scenes at clubs and sporting organisations. There is a strong sense of volunteerism in sport in Ireland. We had been on track to reach the 2027 target of 55% for social participation, club membership or attendance at a sporting event. However, Covid has impacted this and we need to encourage more participation and volunteering to get back on track to reach this target. Shining a light on our volunteers in sport is a way to recognise and remind people of the invaluable role they play in society.”
Also present at the launch the of the awards was the 2020 Co. Kildare recipient Tom Egan of Salmon Leap Canoe Club and his daughter Irish Canoeist Jenny Egan a multiple World Championship and European Medallist and Multiple World Cup Medallist and currently ranked World No. 1.
To keep up to date with all the latest announcements visit www.volunteersinsport.ie and follow @iresport on twitter and on LinkedIn
#DedicatedtoheDedicated
Feb 14, 2022
‘THE PANDEMIC WAS A GAME CHANGER. HOW DOES THE SPORTS SECTOR PLAY THE GAME NOW?’
- Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand will deliver the international keynote address to the Federation of Irish Sport members at their upcoming online member CEO Forum.
- Celebrating 20 years in 2022, the Federation of Irish Sport will also feature a panel of experts from the UK & Ireland to discuss the important economic value of Sport in Ireland.
- Other special guest speakers to be announced.
Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand
The Federation of Irish Sport are delighted to host Raelene Castle, CEO of Sport New Zealand as part of the upcoming member CEO Forum to be held on March 1st. Prior to joining Sport New Zealand in 2020, Raelene spent seven years working in Australia as Chief Executive of the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and then Chief Executive of Rugby Australia. She was previously Chief Executive of Netball New Zealand from 2007 to 2013. She has held several governance roles in sport, previously serving as a board director of the ANZ Championship Netball, International Federations of Netball Associations, SANZAAR Rugby and the World Rugby Council. Raelene was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) in 2015 for services to Business and Sport.
Speaking about the upcoming online member CEO Forum, Federation CEO Mary O’Connor said, ‘We are delighted to host Raelene Castle as part of our online member CEO forum. We are looking forward to hearing Raelene’s insights on:
- State of the nation New Zealand and Covid19
- Health and GDP – background and research
- Sport NZ’s Towards 2032 Strategic Direction document & Strategic Plans for the period 2020-24
- The Living Standards Framework, a whole of Government view focused on inter-generational outcomes
Hosted by broadcaster Gráinne McElwain, the 2022 member CEO Forum, ‘The Pandemic was Game Changer. How does the Sports Sector Play the Game Now?’ is exclusively for member CEO’s, LSP co-ordinators and member Chairpersons and invited guests. There will be expert insights on the national importance of sport and physical activity.
Details of special guest speakers will be announced in the coming weeks.
Member CEO Forum 20th Anniversary
Federation of Irish Sport Background
Established in 2002 by the National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGBs) and Local Sports Partnerships (LSPs), the Federation of Irish Sport currently represents over 110 NGBs and LSPs, consisting of over 13,500 sports clubs nationwide. As the Voice of Irish Sport, our role is to speak on behalf of our members and represent their views to the public, while also providing them with a range of services.
Over the last 20 years as the membership has steadily grown, the Federation has seen it’s role evolve along with the importance of sport and physical activity in society. New services to members have included the provision of Garda Vetting services, creation of the Sports Disputes Solutions Ireland (SDSI), annual Pre-Budget Submissions, regular Oireachtas Committee representation, support of the 20X20 campaign, representation on the National Sports Policy Leadership Group and the newly created Board Recruitment Service for members.
The Federation continues to communicate the benefits of sport in areas such as personal health/wellbeing, the economy and society as a whole and champion the work of the 450,000 people who volunteer for sport and physical activity in Ireland on a weekly basis that has a value of €1.5 billion to the exchequer.
