Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2022
223. Deputy Jackie Cahill asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to instances in which thatched houses cannot be sold given that the vendor cannot secure insurance for the structures; his views on whether it is acceptable for insurance companies to refuse to insure thatched buildings; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [34137/22]
Amharc ar fhreagraAt the outset it is important to note that neither I, nor the Central Bank of Ireland can direct the pricing or provision of insurance products, as this is a commercial matter which individual companies assess on a case-by-case basis. This position is reinforced by the EU Single Market framework for insurance (the Solvency II Directive) which prevents Member States from doing so.
The issue of insurance for thatched roof properties has been raised with in meetings with insurance industry stakeholders and representative groups. Brokers Ireland has informed this Department that it has a dedicated information service for people having insurance issues with their thatch roof properties and has established a special email address to deal with these queries, which is thatchedroofqueries@brokersireland.ie.
Separately, the Deputy may also be aware that the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage has indicated that it is currently preparing a study into the question of insurance for thatched roof properties, and that owners of such properties will be invited to contribute to this. All queries regarding this study should be directed to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to assure the Deputy that securing a more sustainable and competitive market through deepening and widening the supply of insurance in Ireland remains a key policy priority for this Government, and that it is my intention to continue to work with my colleagues to ensure that implementation of the Action Plan for Insurance Reform can have a positive impact on the affordability and availability of insurance across all sectors in the economy.
