Michael Healy-Rae (Kerry, Independent)
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40. To ask the Minister for Finance his views on a matter (details supplied) in relation to property insurance during Covid-19; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7450/20]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I appreciate that many people with premises due to re-open in the current environment have genuine concerns regarding whether they will have insurance cover for claims relating to COVID-19, including those involved in tourism such as guesthouses or other forms of accommodation. Whether a person’s property insurance provides cover for such claims will depend on the specifics of his/her insurance policy, and it is possible that some policies may cover such claims, but it is also likely that others will not. In addition, on renewal it is possible that many insurers will change their terms and conditions to exclude any claims for COVID-19. It should be noted however that neither I, nor the Central Bank, have any influence over the decisions of insurers in relation to the provision of such cover.

With regards to the Deputy’s point that individuals may claim against property owners if they allege that they have contracted COVID-19 on their property, the only comment I would make is that it may be difficult to prove where a person caught the virus in the first place, therefore taking such actions may not be straightforward, and even if initiated, there can be no guarantee of a successful outcome. For now, I believe that the best way that a business can protect itself from litigation is to follow public health guidelines and implement social distancing measures.

I am aware that there have been some suggestions that the State should provide an indemnity to re-opening businesses for COVID-19 claims in circumstances where they have not been able to get any insurance cover. However, I believe that it would be financially unsustainable for the State to provide such a blanket indemnity for all litigation relating to COVID-19 outbreaks, there would also be a significant moral hazard in doing so and could also be wider unintended consequences in the insurance market.

Finally, I would like to assure the Deputy that my Department will continue to be as pro-active as it can be on insurance issues and will continue to liaise with the Central Bank of Ireland, Insurance Ireland and the sector on an ongoing basis.