Michael McGrath (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

The 2010 estimate is that one third, 33%, do not have insurance cover but there is no up-to-date figure in that regard. The statistics quoted by Mr. Thompson regarding the percentage of property insurance policies that include flood cover relate to households that have a policy in place. Mr. Thompson also said that in areas where flood schemes have been completed, 83% of property insurance policies include cover against flood risk and that that percentage increases to 89% in areas where the flood defences are permanent and decreases to 78% in areas which have demountable defences. In regard to policy excess, we heard from earlier witnesses of significant excess amounts being in place. The percentages provided by Mr. Thompson are industry numbers rather than numbers provided by any public body and so we have to take Mr. Thompson at his word. What criteria are used by Insurance Ireland members to determine excess regarding flood cover?