Vol. 451 No. 8
279 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for the Marine the cost to the Exchequer and State agencies of public liability 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]
As its own insurer the State carries public liability insurance cover for all Government Departments. In 1994 £72,764 was paid out by my Department in settlement of public liability claims. Public liability insurance policies are held by the State agencies under the aegis of my Department and the cost of legal settlements is met by the insurers. The total cost of premia paid by these agencies in respect of public liability insurance amounted to £27,632.40 in 1994.
While the current level of public liability claims against my Department is not considered to be excessive in the light of the wide range of properties, including State foreshore, for which my Department has responsibility, measures to avoid such claims and minimise this cost are kept under ongoing review.
