Issued Monday, 27 April, 2015.  Minister Simon Harris, T.D., was guest speaker at the Insurance Ireland Annual Lunch in the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel on Monday, 27 April.  

A quarter of those employed in financial services in Ireland are employed directly or indirectly by the Insurance industry.  Insurance Ireland outlined the sector’s strong commitment to job creation, targeting a further 2,250 new jobs and outlining its commitment to develop Ireland as an insurance innovation hub.

In healthcare, Insurance Ireland members have been extremely active in encouraging consumers to take out health cover to ensure that they are not penalised by the new Lifetime Community Rating legislation which would impose higher rates if they join schemes after age 35. 

Speaking at the event, Minister Simon Harris, T.D., said “This year has already seen great change, in insurance as in the financial services’ sector more generally. The preparation and publication of my IFS2020 Strategy has provided me with crucial insights into the current healthy state and myriad future challenges and opportunities facing Ireland Inc. in this sector. For example, how the job-creation value chain can be attuned to adapt to the ongoing tech evolution. This is a subject that will no doubt figure very prominently at next year’s International Insurance conference. I look forward to continued constructive dialogue with Insurance Ireland over the next 12 months.”

Speaking the event, Ciaran McGettrick, President of Insurance Ireland, said “We continue to work on developing a memorandum of understanding with the OPW on flood defences.  And in another example of partnership, we have also developed a memorandum of understanding with the IDA to promote Ireland as a place for international insurance companies to base their businesses, with Insurance Ireland member companies acting as ambassadors for Ireland in creating relationships which assist the IDA and other agencies in identifying potential opportunities. Insurance Ireland also worked successfully with government agencies to win the franchise for the 8th International Insurance Europe Conference.  Next year, we will host the continent’s largest annual insurance conference held over 3 days and attended by 800 delegates from 38 countries.  Ireland will be centre stage throughout wide ranging discussions on the future of the European and Global Insurance sectors.”

Ends

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