asked the Minister for Industry and Commerce if his attention has been drawn to statements which indicate that the High Court has agreed to the cancellation of policies issued by the Equitable Insurance Company, Limited, including workmen's compensation policies; and if he will indicate the position of persons in receipt of workmen's compensation in cases where the employer formerly covered by such policies is unable to pay weekly compensation, or lump-sum awards.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Equitable Insurance Co., Limited.
32.
I have seen newspaper reports about the cancellation of certain policies by the liquidator of this company. The cancellation of policies does not materially affect the position of policy holders in this case. The really important factor is that the liquidator has announced that the company will not have sufficient funds to meet its liabilities. I have already indicated that I proposed to have discussions with the Irish insurance companies to see what can be done to provide relief in hardship cases and I mentioned that I had in mind particularly workmen's compensation claims. These discussions are proceeding but I do not expect any conclusion to be reached until some time next month.
Is the Minister aware that in addition to this, a rather smart trick has been pulled by the liquidator by cancelling the policies with effect from the end of June when in fact most of them were inoperable from about 8th March and will he do something about that?
It is a rather academic question.
Will the Minister's discussions also relate to the position regarding other policies issued with Workmen's Compensation in mind?
I am discussing hardship cases with workmen's compensation particularly in mind. I did not exclude other cases.
Would the Minister give any consideration to arranging that those people whose workmen's compensation may now be interrupted, because of the position of the insurance company, will receive as an interim measure sickness compensation under the Social Welfare Acts, as these people would be insured persons under these Acts, as a temporary measure pending a final settlement?
It is outside the scope of my functions and outside the discussions I am having with the insurance companies.
Would it not be possible for the Minister to have discussions with his colleague in view of the position? They are insured persons.
In the ordinary case, the ordinary sickness benefits are paid, pending workmen's compensation. I do not know what the position is when workmen's compensation starts and ceases for reasons as in this case. I am sure it is a matter that might be considered.
In the case of hardship brought to the attention of Deputies, should their representations be addressed to the Minister or to the liquidator? When cases of people who are suffering hardship are brought to our attention, should we send them to the Minister's Department where they will get attention? We apprehend if we send them to the liquidator, they might simply disappear in a mass of claims.
In order to clear up any doubts, since I am conducting certain negotiations, it might be as well to send details of these instances to me.
Would the Minister say whether or not when the claims have been discontinued there will be any difference in the ordinary case, where, on a workmen's compensation case there is a delay, application can be made to Social Welfare and they are automatically paid, pending settlement of the claim? Does the Minister think there would be any difficulty about those cases?
These cases must have arisen in the ordinary case of the administration of workmen's compensation in the past when weekly payments were discontinued. Therefore, there must be some procedure.