175. Deputy Martin Browne asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage if consideration will be given to enabling the owners of thatched properties who undertake an inspection by a fire officer or inspector to obtain a certificate similar to an electrical certificate that can be submitted to their insurance company; if this is not possible, to outline the reasons; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38253/24]

Research carried out by and on behalf of my Department indicates the incidence of fire in thatched buildings can be very substantially reduced through the adoption of a range of good safety practices. To promote awareness and adoption of these practices, my Department has published user-friendly guidance on Fire Safety in Thatched Buildings, and also offers fire safety advice visits free-of-charge to the owners and occupiers of thatched buildings. These visits are not inspections; they are a chance for owners and occupiers to receive tailored advice on how best to manage fire risk in future.

Because most of the key safety measures outlined the Fire Safety in Thatched Buildings guidance relate to ongoing practices rather than once-off changes, it is not possible for the Department to provide meaningful safety certification.

The Department’s guidance sets out a clear path to making thatched buildings safer and therefore more easily insurable. As is the case across a wide range of insurable risks, the question of verifying that the proper precautions are taken in individual cases is a matter for insurance providers. This is generally done through the application of conditions which may limit the provider’s liability in the event of loss.