Insurance Ombudsman

In its recent Reports, the Insurance Ombudsman of Ireland has emphasised the need for insurance companies to "demystify" their language and has consistently called for the adoption of plain language:

"In previous years I drew attention to the need for simplification of the language of the insurance world. I would continue to urge companies to make this a priority. It would greatly improve communication and understanding between them and their policy holders."

The 2000 Report goes on to point out the practical benefits which the adoption of plain language could have for all parties:

"It would generally improve communication and understanding between them and their policyholders. It would attract questions at the point of sale, would assist potential policy holders in fully understanding the essential features of the policy being sold, create more consumer satisfaction and fewer complaints to insurers.".

Industry Leaders

Forfás is the National Policy and Advisory Board for Enterprise, Trade, Science, Technology & Innovation in Ireland. It is the body in which the State's legal powers for industrial promotion and technology development have been vested. Forfás has not yet developed a policy on plain language, but it strives to "communicate as effectively and clearly as possible".

The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) represents and provides economic, commercial, employee relations and social affairs services to some 7,000 companies and organisations from all sectors of economic and commercial activity. IBEC works to shape policies and influence decision-making in a way that develops and protects members' interests and contributes to the development and maintenance of an economy that promotes enterprise and productive employment. IBEC are in favour of plain language, and are particularly critical of the complex language used in Irish legislation.