asked the Minister for Education if he will state whether he has sanctioned the decision of (a) the Sligo Vocational Education Committee to transfer the insurances covering workmen's compensation, public liability, pupils' indemnity and fidelity guarantee insurance from an Irish insurance company to a foreign company, and (b) the Limerick Vocational Education Committee to renew its insurance business with a foreign company notwithstanding the fact that an Irish insurance company had quoted for the insurance at a lower rate of premium.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Foreign Insurance Companies.
While the question as to whether vocational education committees will or will not take the precaution of insuring is a matter which concerns the Minister, the committees when placing their insurance act entirely on their own responsibility. Accordingly, there has been no sanction such as is referred to by the Deputy.
Am I to understand then that a local vocational education committee has the right to put its insurance with a foreign insurance company even though an Irish insurance company puts in a lower tender? Has the Minister any say in that matter?
I assume that another Department deals with that particular matter.
The Department of Industry and Commerce?