Dáil Éireann debate -
Tuesday, 10 Oct 1995

Vol. 456 No. 6

Written Answers. - Cost of Employers' and Public Liability Insurance.

Ivor Callely

Question:

41 Mr. Callely asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment the measures, if any, he intends to introduce to address the escalation in the cost of employer's and public liability insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14394/95]

Minister for Enterprise and Employment (Mr. R. Bruton)

The high cost of employers' and public liability insurance in Ireland reflects, in large measure, the frequency of accidents and the high cost of claims. Clearly, therefore, greater attention and commitment by employers to implementing safety practices and procedures on the shop floor and to encouraging operatives to observe safety procedures can have a significant impact on reducing both the frequency and cost of claims and, ultimately, in reducing the cost of liability insurance.

As previously indicated, I have commissioned a detailed economic evaluation of insurance costs in Ireland and of the key factors contributing to the high cost of insurance here. I expect to have the consultants' report in November and, on the basis of the recommendations made in that report, I would propose to bring forward a package of measures aimed at reducing the burden of insurance costs on the economy. These measures will be mainly targeted at the key factors contributing to high insurance costs.