asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that as the result of the number of undetected burglaries in the City of Dublin, insurance companies now refuse to insure contents of premises against such risks; and, if so, if he will state what steps he proposes taking to protect the property of such owners.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Protection of Property.
Mr. Boland
The answer to the first part of the question is "no." I am informed that some cases have arisen where insurance companies were reluctant, and possibly refused, to insure the contents of premises where, owing to the failure of the owners to take reasonable care to protect their property, the premises were particularly vulnerable. The implication in the question, that the percentage of detections in respect of house-breaking offences in Dublin is low, is entirely unjustified. The percentage of detections is in fact very high for a city the size of Dublin.
Is the Minister aware that a prominent concern in the centre of the City of Dublin has had it premises burgled on five occasions in the past two years and that as a result of these undetected burglaries, the insurance companies have refused to accept the risk?
Mr. Boland
I am aware of what I have stated in reply to the question, that in certain cases where owners of the premises refused to take adequate precautions to protect their property, the insurance companies have been reluctant to accept the risk but generally that is not the position.
In this case they will take any precaution the insurance company desire, short of taking their personal property at night from the premises.