Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Ceisteanna (1934)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

1934. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine the cost of insurance under headings (details supplied) for his Department and each body under its aegis; the cost of the premium for 2018 or the premium paid in 2018 if the policy year straddles two calendar years; the comparable premium amount paid in 2017; the number of outstanding insurance claims against his Department or bodies under its aegis; the estimated cost of those claims; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33991/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine

Generally, Government Departments do not have conventional insurance cover. Instead, Departments, including the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM)  operate under State indemnity, a self-insurance model whereby the State bears the financial risk associated with the costs of claims.

The State Claims Agency (SCA), manages personal injury, property damage and negligence claims brought against my Department.  

There are only two exceptional instances in which DAFM has taken out insurance:

- DAFM took out insurance on a property it owned which was leased to a third party.The insurance cost is recouped from the third party.

- Insurance in respect of a property used as a district office.  

Details of these payments are set out in the table below:

Department Of Agriculture Food and the Marine
Year	2017	2018
Total	€2,060	€2,251

As regards the State Bodies under the aegis of my Department, the information requested is an operational matter for the State Bodies themselves. I have referred the Deputy’s question to the Agencies and have requested that a response should issue within 10 days.