Pat Buckley (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ministers of State. I am aware that a lot of work and positive engagement has taken place. It is fabulous that has happened. I have listened to the witnesses. The problem is that the commercial side is not as complicated as the family home. The Minister of State mentioned Insurance Ireland and the Northern Irish Department for Communities and, therefore, it is an all-Ireland issue. It is strange that if someone had an issue with a driving licence and insurance, there is a procedure where a person can approach Insurance Ireland which can force insurance companies to give the person a realistic quote. Can that be done in the same way for people with thatched houses?

I welcome the €500,000 for the repair and maintenance grant. It is positive and welcome. Is there any way the State can provide insurance for these people? It is amazing to see our heritage being protected. Thatched houses can be seen on any country road. People at the committee need answers or some assurance, which sounds strange, about insurance for thatched homes. That is where I am coming from. As I said, I welcome the statements and that the engagement has been excellent. I would like to know if that is a possibility if all goes under. I am interested in knowing whether Insurance Ireland can deal with this in a similar way to car insurance.