John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I would like to add a different voice to this debate before I ask Deputy Michael McGrath to wrap up this part of the meeting. Even though most of those from whom we have heard so far this morning have Cork accents, this is truly a national issue. I know the witnesses respect that. We are mindful that people in the midlands have been affected by the horrific flooding of their properties in recent days. A huge flood relief programme on the River Nore in Kilkenny city has been completed and is working. If that had not happened, properties all around the centre of the city and on the margins of the city would have been flooded. In spite of that scheme, there are properties that are still failing to get proper full insurance cover or are being loaded with premiums that are so excessive that they do not bother to get insurance. I do not think that is acceptable.

I agree fully with the points that have been made about the lack of data. A similar point was made when we were discussing vehicle insurance. I commend Deputy Michael McGrath on the introduction of this Bill which sets out a way forward in this respect. The committee has a keen interest in this issue and wants to pursue it further. I have no doubt that as a result of the focus that has been placed on this Bill, it will be possible for some changes to be made. It is definitely more difficult to fight this issue because of the attitude of the insurance companies which have let the citizens of this country down when it comes to insurance cover. This point also applies to other forms of insurance that are provided.

There is a need to break what seems to be a cartel and its power over the future cover of people who are affected, and this Bill will deal with that. Deputy McGrath has shown great leadership and is a visionary in this area.