asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to the fact that very high public liability insurance is being charged by insurance companies to jarveys and ponymen in the Killarney area, County Kerry; if he will discuss this matter with the insurance companies; if he will investigate the problem; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Written Answers. - Public Liability Insurance.
100.
I am fully aware of the burden which high insurance costs impose on all sections of the community and the problems being experienced by the jarveys and ponymen cannot be taken in isolation from the general insurance market conditions. It is, unfortunately, the case that equestrian activities give rise to a particular risk of injury to and claims by members of the public. The cost of these claims can only be met by insurance if an adequate premium is forthcoming to cover the risk involved. In 1985, the latest year for which full figures are available, insurers sustained underwriting losses of £36 million on their general liability business.
The problem has to be tackled by promoting greater safety measures and doing everything possible to avoid accidents and hence claims. Speculative claims and unnecessary litigation and legal expenses have to be discouraged.
Until such time as there is an improvement in insurance companies' underwriting experience, problems of cost and availability will persist. I refer the Deputy to my reply on 31 March last to Deputy Spring in which I set out the steps necessary to improve the general insurance environment.