Martin Browne (Tipperary, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

One of the problems I have with that is that although we can give families specific targets they need to reach, the issues relating to insurance companies will continue. I am looking at one of the opening statements, which points out that there is no consensus in the insurance industry regarding what works to prevent fire in thatched buildings. All present are of an age where we can remember when buildings with thatched roofs had open fires and there was no risk. I remember the pub in Tipperary that we were discussing. Many of the pubs in Tipperary had thatched roofs and there was no danger of fire. Ms McNelis's family have done everything, They have taken out the open fire and cut down the risk but they cannot get insurance. You are damned if you do and damned if you do not. I come back to the point that until the Government comes down hard on insurance companies, whether through legislation or otherwise, we will continue to have situations such as this. Is there any indication that an agreement between the insurance companies as to what they would class as a fire risk will come about as a result of this report? That would reassure families or business owners that if they take out an open fire or put in extra protection, there will be cover available. As it is, even after the report, I do not see any clarity for the families in question.