1616. Deputy Malcolm Byrne asked the Minister for Culture, Communications and Sport the total amounts paid by his Department to private insurance companies for insurance for each year from 2016 to 2025 and to date in 2026; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [61352/26]

I am advised that my Department has not engaged private insurance companies for insurance.

The Deputy may wish to note that in line with Section C8 of the Public Financial Procedures relating to ‘International Agreements and Contingent Liabilities’, State bodies are directed that they should not purchase commercial insurance as the State is its own insurer and thus covers its own costs.

Under the National Treasury Management Agency (Amendment) Act, 2000 and subsequent orders the management of personal injury and third party claims against Delegated State Authorities and of the underlying risks was delegated to the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA). When performing these functions, the NTMA is known as the State Claims Agency. The State Claims Agency is under the remit of the Minister for Finance.