Mr. Lawrence Owens:

I am not saying that for a moment. All the information and databases the insurance industry has requested, it has received from the OPW, Office of Public Works. One would swear I am working for the OPW but I am not. The work it has completed has been to a very high standard, however. Historically, the areas that have been completed have been somewhat to the very least resilient and it has a complete and comprehensive database.

The entire armoury is there for the insurance industry to make decisions that are reasonable and fair. There are issues in the health insurance sector such as equalisation. That can be examined, as well as the flood schemes. I know from talking to Dr. Swenja Surminski that it is not an absolute cure all. There are, however, methods and strategies in the UK and Europe that provide a base to look at. What we are doing now is ineffective and proving to be detrimental in providing opportunities for business development because it is putting roadblocks in place. Despite all the work done by the Government and local businesses, we still seem to be in exactly the same situation, namely, we cannot get flood insurance.