Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 12 Jul 1990

Vol. 401 No. 6

Written Answers. - Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Ltd.

Enda Kenny

Ceist:

184 Mr. Kenny asked the Minister for Health if he will outline the insurance companies employed by each health board; the premium paid under all relevant headings for each of the past three years; the amounts of compensation claimed and paid by each health board; if he has satisfied himself that the best system of insurance cover is available to each board at the present time; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Minister for Health (Dr. O'Hanlon)

The Irish Public Bodies Mutual Insurances Limited is employed by each health board. In addition, the following three insurance companies are employed as follows: Irish National Insurance —

Midland Health Board; Hibernian Insurance — North-Western and Southern Health Boards; and Cornhill Insurance — Southern Health Board.

The premia paid under all relevant headings of general insurance in respect of 1988 and 1989 are outlined in the statement hereunder. The figures for 1990 are currently being collated and will be supplied to the Deputy when available.

Policy Title	1988	1989
	£	£
Additional Expenses	3,890	3,890
Administrative Negligence	12,100	14,170
All Risks	45,610	33,470
Aviation	6,650	4,920
Book Debts	900	900
Burglary	620	660
Cash	14,320	13,810
Computer	12,450	13,850
Consequential Loss	17,710	18,740
Customs Bond	40	40
Employers Liability	2,090,430	2,123,890
Engineering	161,080	169,300
Fidelity Guarantee	14,160	17,550
Fire	1,060,840	1,084,830
Glass	270	270
Group Personal Accident	1,590	1,590
Group Personal Accident—Cash	2,310	2,140
Group Personal Accident—Travel	2,400	3,500
Legal Fees	660	680
Livestock	100	100
Motor	522,610	537,360
Motor Contingency	15,850	14,050
Personal Accident	2,930	2,930
Personal Accident—Assault	3,110	3,110
Personal Accident—Dec. Chamber	1,700	1,700
Personal Accident—Members	150	140
Public Liability	1,395,160	1,556,350
Theft	19,680	20,820
Total	5,411,330	5,644,750

Compensation is paid by the insurance companies rather than by individual health boards. Claims can take many years to be notified and, in general, take many years to process. However, it is estimated that claims relating to the three years 1986, 1987 and 1988 for all health boards are as follows:

	1986	1987	1988
Number of Claims	515	685	891
Estimated Compensation	£2,598,880	£3,067,848	£4,821,679

While I am reasonably satisfied with the type and range of insurance cover availed of by each health board, I have been concerned about the growing cost of premia in recent years, particularly in the areas of public and employers liability. My Department are currently examining the matter, especially with a view to cost containment and value for money. As premium costs are directly related to the cost of claims, such strategies as risk management programmes are being actively pursued.

Unfortunately, in recent years we have become a more litigious society and the problems associated with increasing costs of insurance is by no means confined to the health services but is reflected in almost every other area of Irish society today.