Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 May 2013
455. Deputy Joe McHugh asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government following the commencement date, if he will consider establishing mandatory furnishing of fire and accidental damage insurance policies prior to commencement of private construction contracts; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [25412/13]
View answerContracts for public projects, or private projects in which there are professionals involved, are generally based on standard form contracts which typically require, among other things, the provision of Employer’s Liability insurance, Public Liability and Contractors All Risk insurance. In the context of the recently signed Building Control (Amendment) Regulations 2013 I have signalled that my Department is prepared to explore the scope for project-based insurance cover for buildings during and after construction as a means of securing effective remedy for consumers if and when building failures occur. I have recently written to my colleague, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, in this regard given his Department’s role in the regulation of the insurance sector and its particular knowledge of trade, competition and consumer protection issues. My Department will advance consideration of this complex matter as quickly as possible.
