ISSUE ALL THE MORE URGENT IN LIGHT OF RECENT COVID19-RELATED SPECULATION
The Alliance for Insurance Reform has called on the incoming Government to urgently review and re-balance the ‘common duty of care’ in the light of speculation regarding potential COVID19-related claims. Peter Boland, director of the Alliance said “As part of the insurance reform package we want included in the Programme for Government, we have already called on the incoming Government to urgently review and re-balance the ‘common duty of care’ so that occupiers are required to take a duty of care that is reasonable, practical and proportionate but not absolute, ignoring personal responsibility. While this was already a key reform demanded by our members, the issue of potential COVID19-related claims has made it all the more critical.
“Covid-19 is a public health issue so as well as the responsibilities of charities, sports and cultural organisations, community groups and businesses, we all have a personal responsibility to take appropriate measures as recommended by the HSE, such as social distancing and good hygiene practice, to protect ourselves.
“It would have to be established that a particular business or voluntary group caused the claimant to contract Covid-19 and a personal injury claim would only arise if there is evidence of negligence. There should be little support from the public, the legal profession or medics for claims if they believe someone is trying to create a case with no basis.”
ENDS
For further details contact:
Peter Boland
ALLIANCE FOR INSURANCE REFORM
TEL: 086 826 6036
WEB: insurancereform.ie
FB: /insurancereformireland
TW: @InsuranceRefIre