Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 24 May 2016
206. Deputy John Curran asked the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government how he can assist landlords involved in the rental accommodation scheme (details supplied) who are having difficulties in getting insurance cover, due to the fact that the landlord does not directly vet the tenants. [11819/16]
Amharc ar fhreagraThe Minister for Finance is responsible for the legal framework governing financial regulation. The provision of insurance cover and the price at which it is offered is a commercial matter for insurance companies and is based on an assessment of the risks they are accepting and adequate provisioning to meet those risks.
As a matter of course, my Department together with local authorities monitors current market issues that may affect the operation of the variety of social housing schemes that it administers. In cases where individuals are experiencing difficulties in obtaining insurance, I would advise them to contact Insurance Ireland which operates free insurance information for those who have queries or complaints, or experiencing difficulties in relation to acquiring insurance. That service can be contacted at 01 6761914 or by email at info@insuranceireland.eu.
I will ensure this matter is kept under review. As part of the development of the Government’s Action Plan for Housing, I am committed to examining a range of proposals designed to overcome barriers to increasing the supply of private rented accommodation for tenancies provided to households with a long-term social housing need.
