asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if he is aware that in the case of vehicles used for school transport, et cetera, insurance companies have increased the premiums to such an extent that owners of such vehicles are unable to pay them; and that the increase has been responsible for the withdrawal of owners from transport operations; if steps will be taken to investigate, as a matter of urgency, such increases; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - School Transport Insurance.
62.
I am not aware of any cases where insurance premiums were increased to such an extent that school transport contractors were forced to withdraw from school transport operations. I have, nevertheless, received a small number of complaints of substantial increases in premiums imposed on school transport contractors. Investigation of these complaints by my Department revealed that the increases imposed were due to the increased nature of the risk: there is no doubt but that the carriage of school children under the school transport scheme involves an insurance company in a risk which is somewhat higher than the risk under private car insurance.
If the Deputy is aware of any cases where the levels of premiums quoted school transport contractors are so prohibitive as to be tantamount to refusal he should bring these cases to the attention of the Minister for Local Government who has special machinery available to deal with such cases.