717. Deputy Denis Naughten asked the Minister for Health the steps he is taking to address the refusal by the insurance industry to renew cover Covid-19 liability for small family owned nursing homes; his views on whether this will close many family operated nursing homes in view of the fact they will not be able to compete with the larger private operations that can obtain such cover; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9481/20]

My Department is in regular contact with Nursing Homes Ireland on this matter and engagements are actively taking place in this regard. My officials are engaging through the Department of Finance, with Insurance Ireland in relation to this issue and it will be kept under close review.