Departmental Expenditure

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 July 2018

Tuesday, 24 July 2018

Ceisteanna (60)

Michael McGrath

Ceist:

60. Deputy Michael McGrath asked the Taoiseach and Minister for Defence 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. [33996/18]

Freagraí scríofa

Minister of State at the Department of Defence

Apart from Civil Defence, all other elements of the Defence Organisation are covered under State indemnity through the State Claims Agency.

Civil Defence is unique in that it operates as a partnership between the Department of Defence and local authorities. Civil Defence policy is set down by the Minister for Defence through the Department of Defence. Civil Defence services are delivered at local level by the relevant Local Authority.

The premium paid for insurance for Civil Defence in 2018 is €303,063 which compares with a figure of €264,616 in 2017. The insurance runs from 1 July to 30 June each year and the main policies and costs for 2018 are vehicles, €168,000; public liability, €61,425; marine, €25,559 and employers liability, €15,750.

There are currently five outstanding insurance claims in relation to Civil Defence with an estimated liability of €3.7 million.