This afternoon.
Minister for Children and Youth Affairs Katherine Zappone (above) is answering questions from the Joint Committee on Children and Youth Affairs.
It follows Elaine Dunne, of the Federation of Early Childcare Providers, telling RTÉ’s Morning Ireland this morning that many childcare providers were in immediate danger of closing due to insurance costs.
Ms Zappone said she has approved a “once-off Programme Support Payment” of an average of €1,500 to providers, costing a total of around €7million.
She said the payment will be made by December 28, 2019.
Ms Zappone said the recent insurance hikes follow the recent withdrawal of an insurance provider from the Irish market, Ironshore Europe, and confirmation that another could not be found.
The minister said, until recently, there were two insurance providers underwriting childcare providers and now there is only one: Allianz Ireland.
Ms Zappone said she acknowledges the situation is “undoubtedly” causing stress to childcare providers and worry for parents.
Creches scramble for insurance cover as premiums ‘double’ (The Irish Times)
Watch the meeting live in the video link above or here
Oh Jesus, straight into allianzs pocket. ffs
Perhaps the Law Society could come to the Minister’s aid with suggested amendments to our liability legislation
Exactly what I thought
Now watch premiums rise by €1,499…
If we can offer the banks a state guarantee why can’t we offer childcare facilities the same with insurance? The state might take a greater interest in inflated claims (should they exist)
True, there”s already a state insurance scheme for vehicles owned by state agencies.
Yes, but I doubt it was established overnight.
And State vehicles are operated by State employees – the State need to insure them (and its cheaper to cover it yourself than pay an external company to do it). Creches are run by just randomers.