asked the Minister for Local Government (i) whether ambulance and fire brigade crews are insured by local authorities against death or injury while on duty; (ii) what is the legal liability, other than under the Workmen's Compensation Acts, of local authorities in connection with injuries suffered by such men on duty; and (iii) whether he proposes to make, or recommend, any change in the present position in these respects.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance of Ambulance and Fire Brigade Crews.
72.
No details of the risks insured against by local authorities are available in my Department. A local authority would be legally liable for damages under the Civil Liability Act, 1961, and common law, where death or injury is caused to ambulance and fire brigade crews by negligence on the part of the local authority. Local authorities are also empowered by Section 52 of the Local Government (Superannuation) Act, 1956, to award a gratuity or allowance to an officer or servant, who is injured without his own default in the actual discharge of his duty by some injury directly attributable to the nature of his duty, or to his dependants where the injury results in his death. The making of special arrangements for the classes mentioned by the Deputy is not contemplated.