asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if there is dumping of Spanish plaster board in this country; and the action he proposes to take in the matter.
Written Answers. - Spanish Plaster Board.
335.
I am aware of the matter and that it is receiving urgent consideration from the competent authority in these matters — the EEC Commission in Brussels.
Both I and my Department have met representatives of the Irish manufacturer concerned on a number of occasions and they have been advised fully in regard to their approach to the Commission in the matter. Additionally, I have made representations to the Commission, in support of the firm's case, at the highest levels.
336.
asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism the names of all insurance companies operating in this country in 1984 and the type of business they are pursuing and if he is satisfied with the service and standards being given to the public and if he will make a statement on this matter.
In the main, in order to legally operate in this country, insurance companies must be properly authorised by the Minister. The one exception relates to the international classes of marine, aviation and transit insurance which, in certain circumstances, may be transacted here by an EEC insurer without an Irish authorisation.
All companies formally authorised to transact insurance business in this country, together with the classes of insurance for which they are authorised, are listed in the "Statements of Assurance Business" (the "Blue Book") published each year by my Department. The most recent "Blue Book", reflecting the position as at the end of 1982 was presented to the Oireachtas on 20 January 1984. The information sought by the Deputy is to be found on pages 7 to 9 of that publication. Since 1 January 1983 five companies were authorised; details of these companies are set out in the table attached.
As regards the service and standards provided by insurance companies, I would refer the Deputy to the detailed answer given by the Minister of State, Deputy Eddie Collins, to Deputy Pádraig Flynn on 17 May 1984. In general, the need to maintain a high standard of service to policyholders has been impressed on the insurers' representative bodies on a number of occasions and they have assured me that it is their constant aim to meet such standards. If there are particular problem areas of concern to the Deputy, these can be taken up with my Department.
Insurance Companies authorised since 1 January 1983
|
Class of insurance |
|
|
A. Life assurance |
|
|
1. Combined Life Assurance Co. of Europe Ltd. |
Life (Class I) |
|
B. Non-life insurance |
|
|
1. Construction Guarantee & General Insurance Co. Ltd. |
15 |
|
2. Amev General Insurance Co. Ltd |
1, 8, 9 |
|
3. Ansvar Insurance Co. Ltd. |
1, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 |
|
4. Toro Assicurazioni |
1, 7, 8, 9, 13, 16 |