I propose, with the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, to take Questions Nos. 36, 37 and 38 together.
Insurance companies licensed to carry on business in this country are required to deposit with me annually, audited returns in the form laid down in the Insurance Acts. Copies of the returns must be laid annually before both Houses of the Oireachtas and copies must also be made available to the public for inspection in the Companies Registration Office.
The latest accounts of the Equitable Insurance Company Limited were received in my Department on 3rd April, 1963. I was satisfied after examination of these accounts that the company was insolvent. I then petitioned the Court under Section 45 of the Insurance Act, 1936, to have the company wound up.
Claims of policy-holders will be dealt with by the liquidator of the company in accordance with the law.