Global insurers set new premium record in Ireland

International insurers and reinsurers based in Ireland saw their premium income grow to record levels in 2008, according to DIMA, the association which represents them. Based on a survey of its members, DIMA reports gross premium income of $26.2bn($38.5bn) and net premium income of €21.7bn ($31.9bn). These figures include non-life insurance, mainly written through captives, as well as life and non-life reinsurance. The number of DIMA member companies has grown to 61 as a number of Bermudian insurers and reinsurers - most recently Everest Re - have established European subsidiaries in Dublin although most underwriting is conducted through branch offices elsewhere in Europe's member states.