Declan Breathnach (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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284. To ask the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport his plans to regulate for insurance for hobby drone users; if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the two insurance companies here underwritten by UK companies that offer insurance cover for drones will not cover drones used by amateurs and hobbyists; if his attention has further been drawn to the fact that there have been a number of accidents and damage to property caused by drones operated by amateurs; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [12317/17]

Shane Ross (Dublin Rathdown, Independent)
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​The issues raised are primarily operational matters for the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA). I have referred the Deputy's question to the IAA for direct reply. The Deputy should advise my private office if he does not receive a reply within ten working days.

I have been informed by the Minister for Finance that his attention has not been previously drawn to the refusal by two insurance companies, who are underwritten by UK companies, to provide insurance cover for hobby drone users.

The Minister for Finance is responsible for the development of the legal framework governing financial regulation. However, it is important to note that the neither the Minister for Finance nor the Central Bank of Ireland can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products, as these matters are of a commercial nature, and are determined by insurance companies based on an assessment of the risks they are willing to accept. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from adopting rules which require insurance companies to obtain prior approval of the pricing or terms and conditions of insurance products. Consequently, the Minister for Finance is not in a position to direct insurance companies to provide cover to particular categories of individuals such as hobby drone users.