Departmental Transport

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 8 April 2014

Tuesday, 8 April 2014

Questions (473)

Seán Fleming

Question:

473. Deputy Sean Fleming asked the Minister for Defence the number of motor vehicles in the possession of his Department or agencies of his Department that do not hold an insurance policy; the manner in which insurance claims arising in respect of vehicles in the possession of his Department or its agencies are handled; the amount of insurance claims paid on behalf of his Department in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [16041/14]

Written answers

Minister for Defence

There are currently 1524 Defence Forces Vehicles on the asset register. There are an additional 10 vehicles owned by the Department consisting of Jeeps, tractors and Gator Utility vehicles. Since November 2011 the State Claims Agency deals with all claims arising from accidents involving Defence Forces vehicles. Previously the Agency dealt with claims that occurred in Ireland only.

The following table outlines the number of claims finalised in the past 5 years and the subsequent cost to the State.

-	2009	2010	2011	2012	2013
Cases Finalised	90	107	232	45	63
Compensation/Settlements	€1,670,127.09	€743,995.88	€342,709.54	€247,319.39	€662,338.49
Legal Costs	€655,743.38	€343,440.50	€285,094.41	€181,137.95	€106,768.27

All Civil Defence vehicles are covered by commercial insurance and their claims are handled, in the normal manner, by their Insurance Company.