Written Answers. - Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd.
Enda Kenny
Question:
184
Mr. Kenny
asked the
Minister for Health
if he will outline the insurance companies employed by each health board; the premium paid under all relevant headings for each of the past three years; the amounts of compensation claimed and paid by each health board; if he has satisfied himself that the best system of insurance cover is available to each board at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
The Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Limited is employed by each health board. In addition, the following three insurance companies are employed as follows: Irish National Insurance —
Midland Health Board; Hibernian Insurance — North-Western and Southern Health Boards; and Cornhill Insurance — Southern Health Board.
The premia paid under all relevant headings of general insurance in respect of 1988 and 1989 are outlined in the statement hereunder. The figures for 1990 are currently being collated and will be supplied to the Deputy when available.
Policy Title
|
1988
|
1989
|
|
£
|
£
|
Additional Expenses
|
3,890
|
3,890
|
Administrative Negligence
|
12,100
|
14,170
|
All Risks
|
45,610
|
33,470
|
Aviation
|
6,650
|
4,920
|
Book Debts
|
900
|
900
|
Burglary
|
620
|
660
|
Cash
|
14,320
|
13,810
|
Computer
|
12,450
|
13,850
|
Consequential Loss
|
17,710
|
18,740
|
Customs Bond
|
40
|
40
|
Employers Liability
|
2,090,430
|
2,123,890
|
Engineering
|
161,080
|
169,300
|
Fidelity Guarantee
|
14,160
|
17,550
|
Fire
|
1,060,840
|
1,084,830
|
Glass
|
270
|
270
|
Group Personal Accident
|
1,590
|
1,590
|
Group Personal Accident—Cash
|
2,310
|
2,140
|
Group Personal Accident—Travel
|
2,400
|
3,500
|
Legal Fees
|
660
|
680
|
Livestock
|
100
|
100
|
Motor
|
522,610
|
537,360
|
Motor Contingency
|
15,850
|
14,050
|
Personal Accident
|
2,930
|
2,930
|
Personal Accident—Assault
|
3,110
|
3,110
|
Personal Accident—Dec. Chamber
|
1,700
|
1,700
|
Personal Accident—Members
|
150
|
140
|
Public Liability
|
1,395,160
|
1,556,350
|
Theft
|
19,680
|
20,820
|
Total
|
5,411,330
|
5,644,750
|
Compensation is paid by the insurance companies rather than by individual health boards. Claims can take many years to be notified and, in general, take many years to process. However, it is estimated that claims relating to the three years 1986, 1987 and 1988 for all health boards are as follows:
|
1986
|
1987
|
1988
|
Number of Claims
|
515
|
685
|
891
|
Estimated Compensation
|
£2,598,880
|
£3,067,848
|
£4,821,679
|
While I am reasonably satisfied with the type and range of insurance cover availed of by each health board, I have been concerned about the growing cost of premia in recent years, particularly in the areas of public and employers liability. My Department are currently examining the matter, especially with a view to cost containment and value for money. As premium costs are directly related to the cost of claims, such strategies as risk management programmes are being actively pursued.
Unfortunately, in recent years we have become a more litigious society and the problems associated with increasing costs of insurance is by no means confined to the health services but is reflected in almost every other area of Irish society today.