asked the Minister for Local Government if he is aware that the British insurance companies have made a monetary contribution to the British Fire Research and Training Trust; and, if so, whether he proposes to request insurance companies in this country to contribute towards the creation of a similar trust for the State.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Insurance Companies' Contribution to Fire Research and Training.
32.
I understand that some years ago British insurance companies made a lump sum contribution to this Trust, in lieu of annual contributions which had previously been made by them to certain fire brigades. As such contributions are not made to fire brigades in this country, the question of compounding them in the manner suggested does not arise.
Would the Minister not consider that the insurance companies should pay something towards the cost of the upkeep of fire brigades?
This is a matter that has been considered on several occasions and the same conclusion has been reached on each occasion, that is, that if any such scheme were brought in, either voluntarily or by compulsion, the insurance companies would reimburse themselves for these contributions by putting up their premiums and, in the last analysis, there would be no net gain to the country or to the service itself.
Is the Minister not aware that insurance companies put up their premiums by no less than 25 per cent on fire insurance within the past month? Surely the Minister is in a position, through the Government, to use this House to ensure that these companies, which are making a very large profit, should by legislation be forced to pay part of the cost of the upkeep of the fire brigades?
I have nothing to add to what I have said.