The Minister for the Environment has said that he will be trying to find out why people cannot get insurance despite a huge amount of money being put into flood defences in some areas at tomorrow's meeting with representatives of the insurance industry.
Speaking on RTÉ News at One, Minister Alan Kelly said he would also like to find out why there is not a consistency in approach by the insurance companies and what can be done for those people who are in a very difficult situation in the future.
He said the meeting, which will be attended by the Taoiseach and other Government ministers, will format the Government's thinking in relation to future policy.
In relation to an insurance levy, the Minister said "everything was on the table" but he was quite conscious that the taxpayer is paying two levies already.
He said the State insurance backed scheme for those who cannot get insurance was "very well worth looking at and was on the table with everything else".
Meanwhile, Westmeath County Council is hoping to begin decommissioning flood defences in Athlone by the end of next week.
Director of Services at Westmeath County Council Barry Kehoe said the River Shannon is now 13cm below the flood peak.
"It is declining at around 3cm per day at the moment. It needs to go down another 35 to 40cm before we start decommissioning the major defences," said Mr Kehoe.
He explained that the defences would not all be lifted at once and decommissioning will not take place if heavy rain is forecast.
As flood defences are removed, clean-up and road repair operations will get under way.
Mr Kehoe added that the Defence Forces are continuing to assist with pumps and transportation, and are likely to be needed over the coming weeks.
A number of homes in Carrickobrien and Golden Island remain marooned and transport to and from these areas is a priority for the council, he added.
A Flood Response Coordination Group meeting is due to take place in Westmeath tomorrow morning.
Meanwhile, River Shannon levels in Offaly have reduced by over by over 170mm in Banagher and 150mm in Shannonbridge from their peak.
Although the floodwaters are expected to continue receding, many areas will remain flooded for some time.
In Shannon Harbour power remains off at the sewage pumping station.
Power was restored to the Portavolla estate in Banagher last Wednesday.
Offaly County Council staff and the Civil Defence are continuing to provide assistance where needed and a number of local roads remain closed.
The council has warned motorist to exercise caution due to localised flooding in many areas.
