Vol. 553 No. 6
138 Mr. Naughten asked the Minister for Finance the measures it is intended to take to ensure that no similar contention of liability arises within the State sector in view of the UMP settlement by the Department of Agriculture and Food; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14959/02]
The Deputy is referring to the recent settlement arising from the fire at the UMP Plant in Ballaghaderreen in 1992. The UMP case involved a complex series of legal issues relating to liability, quantum and jurisdiction, many of which are particular to that case. I am not certain therefore that lessons from this case will necessarily translate to other areas of the State sector. However, I understand that following the Ballaghaderreen fire, a review of the nature and scope of insurance cover on the beef intervention stock was undertaken by independent consultants, on behalf of the Minister for Agriculture Food and Rural Development, and that upgraded conditions have been applied since then. I will consult with my colleague, the Minister for Agriculture and Food, to consider, in light of the review undertaken by his Department, whether any improved practices or procedures can be usefully adopted by other State agencies in the future.
