Vol. 558 No. 4
201 Mr. N. O'Keeffe asked the Minister for Finance his views on the call by the Irish Insurance Federation to establish a national flood defence agency; if his Department's officials have responded to the IIF's request for a meeting on this matter; and his views on whether a portion of the 2% stamp duty which is levied on non-life insurance premiums including property premiums, should be earmarked to fund such an agency. [24584/02]
204 Mr. Hogan asked the Minister for Finance his views on a national flood defence agency as outlined by the Irish Insurance Federation; his views on whether this could be funded by a portion of the 2% stamp duty which he collects from non-life premia; the reason he has not met the IIF to date; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [24650/02]
I look forward to meeting the Irish Insurance Federation, IIF, and to hearing its views and proposals on the problem of flooding in Ireland. My office has been in contact with the IIF and a meeting has been arranged for 6 December.
The Deputy will also be aware that on 27 November 2002 I announced that I was arranging for a major review of national flooding policy to be carried out. The purpose of the review is to assess the extent of the problem countrywide, clarify roles and responsibilities of the various agencies involved and to recommend practical action to deal with the problem. The review will be carried out by a group representing the major stakeholders – the Office of Public Works, Departments of Finance and the Environment and Local Government, local authorities, IBEC, and IFA. The review group will receive submissions from, and consult with, a further wide range of relevant bodies, including the IIF.
