asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that serious loss and inconvenience are caused to many farmers by reason of the failure of insurance companies to cover farmers' risks in respect of compensation to employees under the Workmen's Compensation Act; and, if so, if he will consider the desirability of introducing legislation for the purpose of merging the Workmen's Compensation and National Health Insurance into one comprehensive scheme.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Farmers' Risks.
I am not aware that there is any general failure on the part of insurance companies to give cover to farmers in respect of compensation to employees under the Workmen's Compensation Act. Farm workers are in precisely the same position as all other classes of workers.
Is the Minister aware that, in a number of cases throughout the country, insurance companies have refused to cover farmers' liability in respect of workmen's compensation? Is the Minister also aware that there is considerable dissatisfaction in regard to the operation of the Act as it affects the legal and medical professions? It is bringing both those professions into disrepute, by reason of the various intrigues carried on in order to secure compensation.
That seems to be a separate question.