asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware that insurance companies are refusing to give insurance cover on flats in Cork city; and the proposals he has to deal with this matter.

The Deputy raised this matter with me some time ago and I took the matter up on a general basis with the insurers representative bodies. They informed me that, while the insurance of contents of flats presents extra risks, there was no specific policy of refusing cover generally.

I invited the Deputy to let me have details of any cases where cover was refused. If he can supply these details, I can have the cases followed up with the insurers, but he must bear in mind that I cannot compel an insurer to take on a particular risk.

Does the Minister have in his brief the number of burglaries?

On which question is the Deputy raising this supplementary?

The Minister answered Question No. 4 and I was about to call Question No. 5.

Does the Minister have in his brief the number of burglaries committed?

With the permission of the Ceann Comhairle, I will be pleased to help the Deputy.

If the Minister wishes to answer, the Chair has no objection.

I am always anxious to help Deputies. The number of burglaries increased from 25, 390 in 1981 to 32, 141 in 1982, an increase of 27 per cent, and it increased in 1983 to 35,826, a further increase of 11 per cent.

Is that just for the Dublin area?

No, that is the national figure, I think; but, if not, I will contact the Deputy. In relation to fire and other damage to property, the underwriting results since 1979 have been particularly unfortunate for the companies.

5.