asked the Minister for Industry, Trade, Commerce and Tourism if he is aware that all insurance companies have refused to make insurance available to members of the National Association of Regional Game Councils; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

I am aware that the National Association of Regional Game Councils has experienced difficulty in obtaining insurance cover for its members. I would point out to the Deputy, however, that a quote made to the association by an authorised insurer was declined by the association. The matter is now in the hands of the association.

Is the Minister aware that members of the National Association of Regional Game Councils are afraid to take part in their sport due to the highhanded attitude of the insurance companies? Has he had any contact with the insurance companies involved, because this matter is causing grave concern?

I cannot compel an insurance company to offer cover for any particular insurance. I am aware that the members of the National Association of Regional Game Councils were offered an insurance policy at a certain premium which I admit was higher than what was offered previously. My officials have been in touch with the insurance companies in connection with this matter. I would advise members of the council to consider their position carefully, not only in regard to possible injuries to their own members but also to members of the public. While I do not wish to say too much about what the council has in mind for its members, I would advise members that they take proper steps to make sure they are fully insured while out shooting.

Is the Minister aware that Lloyd's Underwriters of Ireland have ceased to quote——

It is the PMPA.

Is the Minister aware that the effect of this is that there are 25,000 sporting guns without cover at the moment? Surely that is a most undesirable situation now that we are coming into the shooting season. The fact that there are 25,000 uninsured guns would show a considerable lack of responsibility on the part of the Minister if he does not make immediate arrangements to have the matter corrected.

It is not up to me to have the matter corrected. It is up to the members of the National Association of Regional Game Councils to make sure that they are adequately insured. I hope the Deputies listened very carefully to what I said——

What will the Minister recommend them to do?

I have said quite clearly that they should consider their personal position very carefully and make sure that they are adequately insured.

They cannot get insurance.

There was an insurance scheme in operation but it was not renewed because it was uneconomic for the company. I know that the NARGC are considering some other move. I can only advise them to be very careful and in the meantime to inform their members that there is an authorised insurer who is willing to give insurance in this area. My advice to the members is to make sure they are adequately covered.

Has the Minister available in his Department a summary of the accident rate in respect of the 25,000 people who participate each year in the shooting season?

I have not that kind of detail. I am sure that the insurance company who previously covered the members would have details of claims in their own files. I want to be quite clear about this matter and I do not want anyone to be under any misapprehension as to my position. My advice to members of the NARGC is to make sure they have comprehensive insurance cover when they are out shooting.

There is an insurance company that will give cover?

There is an insurance company who have quoted a premium to the members at a rate substantially higher than before. However, when one considers the risks not only to the members of the council but also to the general public one would be quite wise to consider this position.

Is the Minister aware that the English counterpart of the National Association of Regional Game Councils, the British Association for Shooting and Conservation, are prepared to make insurance available but there are difficulties in the Minister's Department?

There are no difficulties in my Department. I am saying quite clearly to the Deputy that an authorised insurer in this country is prepared to offer cover.

At exorbitant rates.

It is the death knell of the National Association of Regional Game Councils.

I do not wish to treat this subject lightly. I wish to advise Deputies that insurance cover is available to members of the NARGC and that they should be clearly aware of their responsibilities in this area.

What was the extent of the liabilities that had to be met from claims?

I am calling Question No. 7.