Tony Gregory (Dublin Central, Independent)

As the Minister of State, Deputy Parlon, met with the Irish Insurance Federation and indicated that the industry would be expected to act in a responsible manner, does he believe it has so responded? Is he aware that in areas where the State on behalf of taxpayers has spent large amounts of money on well thought-out and planned anti-flooding measures — I do not wish to add to the stigma or problems of residents by naming the areas — insurance companies continue to double premia, to place a loading in excess of €5,000 for flood cover and to refuse cover to those who move into the area, in effect, preventing residents selling houses as without insurance cover, one cannot get a mortgage? Is the Irish Insurance Federation behaving in a responsible manner when it effectively, making no secret of it, blacklists specific areas? Representatives of residents' associations in these areas meeting with individual insurance companies seem to have more success than the Minister of State and the Department in getting the insurance companies to respond responsibly.

Does the Minister of State believe the insurance industry in behaving as I have outlined is acting responsibly? If not, in areas where the State has worked effectively to prevent future flooding, will the Minister of State ensure the insurance companies behave responsibly and provide insurance at a reasonable price?

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