Vol. 472 No. 3
38 Mr. N. Ahern asked the Minister for Enterprise and Employment if his attention has been drawn to the difficulties many people in private rented accommodation have in getting insurance cover for house contents; the steps or actions, if any, which can be taken to resolve this discrimination; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [21116/96]
I understand that private rental accommodation, particularly in Dublin, has increased dramatically over the past two years and the difficulties being experienced in obtaining insurance cover for house contents reflect the increased demand for cover in this high risk sector of the insurance market.
The Irish Insurance Federation has indicated that renting of private accommodation gives rise to security problems arising from shared access to flats and apartments and the high turnover of tenants which leaves flats and apartments very susceptible to burglary. Because of the excessive level of risk involved particular insurers specialising in this market may limit contents cover to only a limited number of flats or apartments within a building or apartment complex. Tenants may also be able to obtain insurance cover from their landlords' insurers.
