asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware of the difficulty in getting reasonable insurance cover for private dwellings in certain parts of the country; and if he will take immediate steps to rationalise the whole question of general insurance with a view to providing reasonable cover for those seeking it.

I am not aware of a general difficulty in getting cover for private dwellings, although there may be problems in particular cases. If the Deputy has particular cases in mind he could let my Department have the details. He must bear in mind that while such cases can be investigated I cannot compel an insurer to take on a risk.

I am not certain what the Deputy means when he refers to me taking steps to rationalise the question of general insurance. The difficulty in private dwelling insurance stems basically from the crime rate. As for problems in other areas of general insurance and prospective action by me, I would refer the Deputy to the replies to questions which are on the Order Paper relating to these areas.

Is the Minister aware that the premium increase in house contents cover has become so exorbitant that many people cannot adequately insure their premises? Will he tell the House if he agrees with the practice of premium costing which is being carried on by the insurance companies?

I am aware of the substantial increase in the cost of insuring house contents. This is primarily due to the increase in the crime rate, particularly in Dublin, and the number of burglaries. The method of assessing price increases is well established in my Department. Last Thursday I informed the Deputy that I had carried out a review of the pricing mechanism. I am satisfied that the method of calculating the price increase in relation to household contents is a sound one in the long term.

Would the Minister reply to the second part of my question. Does he support the practice of premium costing?

Would the Deputy explain what he means by premium costing?

"Premium costing" is the terminology used in the trade where you can charge higher rates in certain areas in certain circumstances. Does the Minister accept that as proper practice?

That is not premium costing. Some insurance companies apply specific rates in certain geographical areas. I have an obligation to allow companies price increases where the underwriting experience of the company reflects a need for such consideration. I am satisfied that the rates applying to house contents in Dublin reflect the risk factor involved.

Is the Minister aware that insurance companies are refusing to quote premiums for houses which are unoccupied for long periods? Will he make arrangements to have that cover provided for any householder who fails to get quoted an insurance premium for household contents, irrespective of the area?

I made it quite clear that I would be happy to investigate any specific cases the Deputy brings to my attention but, as I said in my reply, I cannot compel an insurer to take on a risk. I am aware that insurance companies are taking a stricter line with regard to dwellings which are unoccupied for long periods. However, I am prepared to investigate any particular case the Deputy brings to my attention.