Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 15 November 2016
280. Deputy Clare Daly asked the Minister for Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government his views regarding the fact that insurance companies are stating that they will not insure properties post pyrite remediation; the steps he proposes to take to address this; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34442/16]
View answerAt the outset, neither my Department nor the Pyrite Resolution Board has been made aware of any properties remediated under the pyrite remediation scheme, which have been declined insurance cover post completion of remediation works. While I am acutely aware of the upset and distress faced by many homeowners who have been affected by pyritic heave, my Department has no function in relation to the regulation or oversight of insurance providers or insurance based products ; these are matters for the Minister for Finance and the Central Bank of Ireland.
The provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered are commercial matters for insurance companies and their decisions are based on the completion of assessments by such insurers of the risks involved. Ultimately, these matters are considered by insurers on a case-by-case basis and neither the Minister for Finance nor the Central Bank can direct insurers to provide home insurance cover to specific individuals.
However, my Department understands that Insurance Ireland, which is the representative body for insurance companies in Ireland, operates a free Insurance Information Service for those who have queries, complaints or difficulties in relation to obtaining insurance. Their service can be contacted at Tel: (01) 676 1914 or by email at iis@insuranceireland.eu.
