Ciarán Lynch (Cork South Central, Labour)
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Question 109: To ask the Minister for Finance the regulation that applies to the designation of districts for the purposes of insurance in view of the adverse effect on householders when an area is given blanket classification as at flood risk without consideration of individual circumstances; the recourse open to a householder who is refused insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [33050/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I am advised by the Irish Insurance Federation that flood insurance cover is currently available to approximately 98% of householders in Ireland. Neither the Central Bank nor I, as Minister for Finance can compel insurance companies to quote for business. The decision to provide any specific form of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter based on the assessment an insurance company will make of the risks involved. There are no provisions in the Central Bank's Consumer Protection Code to compel an insurance company to accept a particular insurance risk.

The Minister of State, with responsibility for the Office of Public Works (OPW), has informed me that the OPW has engaged with the Irish Insurance Federation, detailing areas of the country which have benefitted from flood protection measures put in place over several decades. In addition, the OPW's "Preliminary Flood Risk Assessment", as part of the Catchment Flood Risk Assessment Management Programme, has been forwarded to the Federation for its information. This interchange of data contributes to providing opportunities for the insurance industry to make informed decisions in relation to flood risk cover. The Federation has advised that, when assessing a risk, insurance companies consider any flood defence measures implemented by the OPW or the local authority in the area.

Homeowners in areas where flood insurance cover cannot be obtained or renewed can contact the Irish Insurance Federation which operates a free information service. Their service can be contacted at (01) 6761914 or by email at iis@iif.ie.