Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I thank the gentlemen for coming before the committee and making this presentation. Considering the year we have had and as we face into the winter again, it is worthwhile and opportune.

Mr. Horan mentioned during his presentation that the industry had invested in the region of €1.2 billion back into the economy. Can he identify exactly where that might have been? Has any of it gone into the area of flood relief, or does he feel that such investment is solely the remit of the Government and local authorities?

He mentioned that 2% of the population is uninsured. How does that figure compare to other years? Has the IIF measured progress in this regard? Have the improvement works carried out by successive Governments at various locations throughout the country, such as in Clonmel, Newcastle West and Athlone, been reflected in the IIF's records and figures? Has the IIF seen a downward trend in the number of units that remain without insurance?

The bigger question is my first one. The IIF claims the sector has invested in the economy. Where has that investment taken place, and has any of it been directed towards the provision of flood relief at flood-prone locations where major investment is required? If the sector has not invested directly in flood relief, does the IIF feel an onus of responsibility in this area? Can Mr. Horan see a role, from an investment and an expertise perspective, in moving forward in that area?