Richard Boyd Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, People Before Profit Alliance)
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181. To ask the Minister for Finance if he will instruct insurance companies to reassess the risk of flooding based on the Office of Public Works flood risk maps for the area of Abberley, Killiney, County Dublin and not on outdated flood risk information; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [39558/17]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I am aware of the difficulties that the absence or withdrawal of flood insurance cover can cause to homeowners and businesses, and that is one of the reasons the Government has been prioritising investment in flood defences over the last number of years. 

However, you should be aware that the provision of insurance is a commercial matter for insurance companies, which has to be based on a proper assessment of the risks they are accepting. This assessment will in many cases include insurers own presumptions based on their private modelling and research. Consequently, neither the Government nor the Central Bank can interfere in the provision or pricing of insurance products or have the power to direct insurance companies to provide flood cover to specific individuals or businesses. This position is reinforced by the EU framework for insurance which expressly prohibits Member States from doing so.

Government policy in relation to flooding is focused on the development of a sustainable, planned and risk-based approach to dealing with flooding problems. This in turn should lead to the increased availability of flood insurance. To achieve this aim, there is a focus on:  

* prioritising spending on flood relief measures by the Office of Public Works (OPW) and relevant local authorities,  

* development and implementation of plans by the OPW to implement flood relief schemes, and   

* improving channels of communication between the OPW and the insurance industry in order to reach a better understanding about the provision of flood cover in marginal areas.  

The core strategy for addressing areas at potentially significant risk from flooding is the Office of Public Works (OPW) Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management (CFRAM) Programme. The Programme, which is being undertaken by engineering consultants on behalf of the OPW working in partnership with the local authorities, involves the production of predictive flood mapping for each location, the development of preliminary flood risk management options and the production of Flood Risk Management Plans.

I am advised by the OPW that the current position regarding the CFRAM Programme is that the review by the OPW of the final versions of the Flood Risk Management Plans, having taken account of the submissions received during public and statutory consultation is almost completed. The majority of the Plans are now with the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform for their independent review of the environmental assessments. Once this independent review is completed and observations addressed, the final Plans will be formally submitted for approval.

While it is not possible for me to comment on individual cases in great detail, I understand that the specific maps relating to Abberley, Killiney, Co. Dublin have been finalised and will be published on the dedicated website on the day of the launch of the CFRAM Programme.

It is important to note that the flood maps are community based maps and provide a useful resource for planning and emergency response and cannot be used for commercial purposes. The insurance industry uses its own flood modelling tools for assessing the level of risk to individual properties.

Finally, you should be aware that a consumer can make a complaint to the Financial Services Ombudsman in relation to any dealings with a Financial Services or Insurance provider during which they feel they have been unfairly treated. In addition, individuals who are experiencing difficulty in obtaining flood insurance or believe that they are being treated unfairly may contact Insurance Ireland which operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to insurance.