Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for affording me an opportunity to raise this important matter. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, indicated to me that the Minister of State at the Department of Health, Deputy Alex White, would take this matter and I appreciate that he has come to the House.

This issue, which I have raised several times in the Chamber, relates to the difficulties faced by householders living in or adjacent to areas that have been flooded or at risk of flooding when they seek to have their homes insured or reinsured. Many individuals living in various parts of my constituency of Dublin Central are being refused insurance cover, having previously obtained insurance, albeit at an expensive rate.

I understand the difficulty this matter presents to the extent that we cannot require private companies to act in a certain manner. The Government has been moving in a positive direction on this issue by putting in place infrastructure worth billions of euro aimed at eliminating flooding risk in particular areas. This benefits insurance companies and we need to ensure they are made aware that flooding risks have been reduced as a result of work undertaken by the State and local authorities. This could also provide a means of ensuring that some form of insurance is made available in the areas in question.

In November, when I raised this issue with the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, he briefed me on negotiations that were taking place between the Irish Insurance Federation and Office of Public Works aimed at agreeing a way in which information could be shared so as to ensure greater insurance cover was provided. This is a major issue.

However, it is not getting the attention it deserves because it affects a relatively small number of homes. I am glad the Government has recognised this and I urge the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, and the Office of Public Works to do everything they can to resolve the matter and to provide an update to the House on it.

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