asked the Minister for Posts and Telegraphs if any special insurance cover is required by mail carrying contractors, in view of the danger of attacks on mail vans and their drivers; and if the State is prepared to compensate drivers injured while carrying mail.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Mail Vans Attacks.
158.
Liability for the insurance against occupational injury of a person employed in the operation of a mail contract devolves entirely on the contractor and special insurance cover would be a matter for arrangement between contractors and their employees. In the circumstances payment of compensation to injured drivers by the State does not arise.
Would the Minister not agree if a mail car driven by a State employee was attacked there would be a payment made outside occupational injuries to such a person if he was injured? Does he not consider it a bit peculiar that if a contractor who employs somebody to carry mail has his van attacked and the driver of that van is injured and, perhaps, may be unable to continue his occupation for the rest of his life, that he is simply told he is entitled to social welfare benefit? Would the Minister not agree that he should consider some type of ex gratia payment even to the man concerned who attempted to defend State property and was injured in defending it?
The Deputy knows that the drivers of contract mail vehicles are not employees of the Department of Posts and Telegraphs and we cannot accept responsibility for injury sustained by them in connection with the operation of mail services. They are contractors and certainly I should hope that all contractors would take out insurance for their employees.
In view of the fact that it appears no insurance was taken out for the man who was injured, would the Minister suggest that in future the driver of a van of that type should get out and leave it? Would he not also agree that, irrespective of who is responsible, the State could do no harm by making some gesture towards the unfortunate man who was injured?
I accept the Deputy's point that whoever insures must be responsible and, if we approach the matter with that in mind, we can, I am sure, work out something.
Will the Minister consider that?
I will consider it, but I cannot promise anything.
I am not asking for a promise, but I think the man was very badly treated. He is now down to the social welfare level.
We are all agreed, I think, that the drivers of these vehicles should be insured.