asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce whether workmen, who have sustained injury in the course of their employment, have complained to him that their employers, being men of straw and without insurance under a Workmen's Compensation Act policy, are unable to pay the compensation awarded by the courts; and, if so, whether he will consider introducing legislation to make such insurance compulsory for all employers.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Compulsory Compensation for Workmen.
The answer to the first part of the Deputy's question is in the negative.
Some time ago I caused an inquiry to be made by my Department into this matter generally, which disclosed that the number of cases in which injured workmen failed to recover compensation awarded them by the courts was very small. At the time the existing legislation was being prepared the matter of compulsory insurance was fully examined but it was considered that there were many substantial objections to its adoption.