asked the Minister for Justice if Garda personnel are insured against personal injury or damage to property caused while they are impounding stray animals.
Written Answers. - Garda Insurance.
72.
The State carries its own insurance and would normally accept liability, in so far as the member involved was acting in the bona fide discharge of his duty, in cases where injuries to persons or property were caused by animals while in the charge of the Garda or where injuries were sustained by the animals.
Gardaí on sick leave as a result of injury on duty continue to be paid full pay for as long as there is a likelihood of their being able to return to work. Their medical expenses are also paid. In the event of their having to retire as a result of injury on duty they are paid special pension benefits and, in the event of death, special pension benefits apply to dependants.
The question of compensation for members of the Garda Síochána who are accidentally injured by animals during the course of their duty raises issues which are connected with a claim being considered by the Garda Conciliation Council for changes in the Garda Síochána (Compensation) Acts, 1941 and 1945. As, under the provisions of the conciliation and arbitration scheme, the proceedings of the council are confidential, it would not be appropriate for me to say any more on this matter at present.