Setanta Insurance claims Bill
Deputy Doherty raised the collapse of Setanta Insurance and the need to process claims through the State Claims Agency and related legislation. The Taoiseach said work on the Bill was under way, heads were not expected until after quarter two, and it would not apply retrospectively.
Ní hí sin an cheist. Bhí an cheist ag lorg mínithe ar an easnamh inné. Ní hé sin an cheist a chur sé. Glaoim ar an Teachta Ó Dochartaigh.
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An cheist a bhí ann ná cén fáth nach raibh an tAire Stáit le cúramaí Gaeltachta anseo nuair a bhí deis ag Teachtaí Dála na ceisteanna a chur. Níor tugadh freagra air sin.
An cheist atá agamsa, the question I have is fá dtaobh de árachas Setanta. Setanta Insurance has collapsed, as a result of which over 1,000 claimants have suffered. The court case has been settled and the Insurance Compensation Fund must pay out. The liquidator of Setanta Insurance has informed us that 320 claims are to be processed by the State Claims Agency. For the first time, it has given me a breakdown of the size of the claims. The Insurance (Amendment) Bill which is on the schedule will mean that from now on, if there is another case like that of Setanta Insurance, claims will be paid in full. In respect of the 320 claims being processed, some individuals will lose out to the tune of €140,000 or more. They have been severely injured in accidents and were covered by Setanta Insurance. Will the Minister for Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform adopt the principles contained in my Bill which was ruled out of order by the Ceann Comhairle, a decision I do not challenge? The principles would allow for 100% payment to claimants of Setanta Insurance. This is something the Government is promising to do in the future but not for Setanta Insurance claimants.
