Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 25 Apr 1995

Vol. 451 No. 8

Written Answers. - Public Liability Insurance Claims.

Rory O'Hanlon

Ceist:

273 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Defence the cost to the Exchequer and State agencies of public liablity insurance premia and claims paid from the Exchequer for the last year for which figures are available; the plans, if any he has to reduce this cost; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7391/95]

Minister for Defence (Mr. Coveney)

Normally the State carries its own insurance. In my Department public liability insurance is taken out only for particular activities i.e. those of Coiste an Asgard and Civil Defence. In addition the Government jet, the Gulf-stream IV, requires certain aviation insurance which has a public liability element. The total cost of premia for these insurance policies in 1994 was £47,600. The most competitive rate is sought when policies are due for renewal.

Claims paid by my Department through Exchequer funding in 1994 amounted to £3.633 million. Every effort is made to keep those costs to a minimum. Considerable resources have been made available for an ongoing programme of safety training in the Defence Forces in order to reduce the incidence of accident and injury.