Derek Keating (Dublin Mid West, Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister of State for the quite comprehensive reply, although he will not be too surprised to hear that I am not happy with the Irish Insurance Federation's indication that when making underwriting decisions, it considers the claims history of property and flood protection measures implemented by the Office of Public Works and the local authorities. In my own constituency, approximately €5 million was invested and the success of those works has been shown over the past 12 years when many other cities, towns, villages and homes throughout the country have been devastated. Nevertheless, there are people in estates whose homes were flooded once 12 years ago - the homes were built on flood plains - but investment was made and the works have been successful, and these people are still being denied flood cover.

Will the Minister of State relay my concerns to the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Brian Hayes? Will he pay me the courtesy of a visit so I can show him the works that have been done? I still need to revert to the IIF and demonstrate my unhappiness with that element of the reply.

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