Tony Dempsey (Wexford, Fianna Fail)

According to my watch, I should have been on time but perhaps Wexford and Dáil time are different. I wish to share time with Deputies Callanan, Wilkinson, Devins, Glennon, Kirk and Carthy.

Tááthas orm labhairt ar rud chomh tábhachtach agus atá an Bille seo agus the amendments to it atá curtha ag an Aire. The Government is conscious of the new lifestyles evident around the country. In the past, people tended to live in semi-detached, detached and terraced houses. However, due to the success of the Celtic tiger and the return to our shores of 600,000 people in recent years, apartment complexes have sprung up all over the country. With so many people living under one roof, it is almost inevitable that attendant management problems will arise in such complexes

The problems I have encountered in my constituency frequently relate to poor standards of maintenance, high and escalating charges — sometimes in excess of inflation and imposed without reference to those who are meant to be managed, namely, the dwellers — and delays by developers in handing over control of the management companies to residents of the apartment complex, which leaves them in limbo. The most prevalent problem is associated with the maintenance of and responsibility for the infrastructure of the apartment complex. While these problems are inevitable, it is essential that the response and resolution is well-balanced, diligently thought out and prudently put in place.

I am pleased to support the Minister's amendment because the Government has proven it is conscious of the problems which arise in this area. Given that the Law Reform Commission is examining the matter, it would be premature to introduce measures that may conflict with its findings. It is important to await the commission's report, which should be submitted to Government by the Departments of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, as to do otherwise would not be prudent. While the Fine Gael Party Bill is timely in that it has resulted in a debate on this issue, its response would be inappropriate.

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