Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)

I did not interrupt the Deputy.

Following my appointment as Minister of State at the Office of Public Works, I went to considerable lengths to inform myself regarding the problems and experiences of people and communities across the country which have suffered from flooding events in recent years. This did not just happen since February despite all the pantomime performances we have had here today. As well as witnessing the scale of damage experienced by many communities, the issue of flood insurance cover was raised in several areas. I am aware of certain difficulties and concerns that some people are continuing to raise regarding obtaining flood insurance cover and I have moved to bring these to the attention of the Irish Insurance Federation.

I met representatives of the Irish Insurance Federation, which was the first such meeting for a long time involving any Minister from this Government or the Deputy's Government and those discussions will continue.

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