Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent)
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82. To ask the Minister for Finance the measures that he will take to ensure that those with thatch properties can obtain insurance following a decision by the remaining insurer covering such properties to cease taking new business; the supports scheme that he will put in place for such households and businesses that are unable to obtain insurance; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23558/22]

Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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Firstly, it is important to note that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland, can intervene in the provision or pricing of insurance products, which is a commercial matter for insurance providers. This is expressly prohibited by the EU’s Solvency II framework. However, I can assure the Deputy that Government is committed to improving the cost and availability of insurance for all consumers, businesses and community groups. This includes niche sectors such as thatched roofed properties.

The whole-of-Government approach being taken through the Action Plan for Insurance Reformsets out 66 actions which aim to improve both the cost and availability of this key financial service. The Second Implementation Report, which was published on 1 March 2022, shows that 80 per cent of these actions are being delivered. Government’s focus will now move to delivering the remaining elements.

One of the signature developments of the reform agenda is the implementation of the Personal Injury Guidelines, which significantly reduce awards for a range of personal injuries. At the same time, the Department is working with the IDA to broaden the supply of insurance in the market, including in areas which have been identified as ‘pinch-points’, such as the one highlighted by the Deputy.

The IDA has commenced a multi-phased engagement process with targeted overseas underwriters and will seek to leverage the Government insurance reform agenda. I have previously raised the issue of thatched roof properties with both Insurance Ireland and Brokers Ireland in meetings with them. Brokers Ireland has informed me that it has a dedicated information service for people having insurance issues with their thatch roof properties and has established a special email address to deal with these queries, which is thatchedroofqueries@brokersireland.ie.

Separately, queries on available support schemes for thatched properties, such as grants, are best addressed to the Department for Housing, Local Government and Heritage.

Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that securing a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland remains a key policy priority for this Government and that I will continue to work towards this objective with my colleagues.