Vol. 451 No. 8
96 Dr. O'Hanlon asked the Minister for Health 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]
Limerick East): The detailed information sought is not readily available; however, it is being assembled at present and I will write to the Deputy when it is to hand.
In regard to reducing the cost of insurance, including public liability insurance, separate schemes are in place in respect of ten large voluntary hospitals and three maternity hospitals under which the hospitals involved combine their insurance business to ensure that optimum rates are obtained.
In addition, my Department has initiated five risk management projects in separate locations throughout the country and the lessons learned here should lead to reduced claims and, accordingly, reduced insurance premia.
