Niall Collins (Limerick, Fianna Fail)
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Question 347: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government if he has any plans to assist owners of thatched roof structures and dwellings, which are recorded as protected structures by their Local Authorities, to obtain affordable insurance cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23827/12]

Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour)
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Under my Department's Renewal or Repair of a Thatch Roof of a House grant scheme, a grant up to €3,810, or two thirds of the approved cost, whichever is the lesser, may be payable in respect of necessary works to renew or repair the thatched roofs of houses. A higher grant of up to €5,714 may be payable where the house is situated on certain specified islands off the West and South coasts. In the case of medical card holders, a grant of up to €6,350, or up to 80% of the approved cost, may be payable in respect of houses situated on the mainland, rising to €8,252 where the house is situated on a specified off-shore island.

Eligibility under the grant scheme is contingent on the house being occupied as a normal place of residence on completion of the approved works.

My Department has no function in relation to property insurance matters. That function falls within the remit of my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation.