Deirdre Clune (Fine Gael)

Two weeks ago, severe flooding took place in areas of Cork. In that context, Douglas, Glanmire and Clonakilty were particularly badly affected. We are now dealing with the aftermath of the floods, and reports from Cork City Council and Cork County Council in respect of what occurred are due to be submitted to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. The Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works will also be involved. There is already a possibility of companies, businesses and home owners not being offered insurance assistance and not being re-insured. In the cases where they are offered insurance, they will pay a premium in addition to the normal cost of insurance. After the floods in 2009, some businesses were not able to re-insure themselves and in the Bandon area, those who got insurance had to pay a €5,000 excess. I am aware that I am talking about the Cork region, but flooding could concern all Members. Many areas of the country are susceptible to flooding.

I ask the Leader to request either the Minister of State with responsibility for the OPW or the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government to come to the House to discuss the issue and explain what negotiations and consultation he is having with the insurance companies on efforts to mitigate against future flooding. The insurance companies need to be in dialogue with the relevant authorities to ensure that infrastructure is put in place to prevent such flooding and to reassure local businesses and home owners that such flooding is being acted on.

Insurance is very important and I am aware the Minister is negotiating with the insurance companies and I would like him to report on it to the House and give us an opportunity to question him on it.