John Carty (Mayo, Fianna Fail)

I am aware that Deputy Breen is a little jealous, looking up at the north-west coast.

In the case of apartment complexes, management companies must make financial provision for the maintenance of corridors, lifts, roofs and so forth. These costs must be provided for through fees paid by owners of the units. Obviously, management fees should be reasonable but must also be sufficient to provide against possible future costs. There have been instances of management charges being increased substantially when costs arose because insufficient provision was made.

As members of management committees, it is primarily the responsibility of owners of units to see to it that the company is run properly, the standard of maintenance and management is satisfactory and that charges are reasonable and adequate. In particular, it is in the interest of owners to ensure that any agents hired by their company provide a proper level of service and do not charge excessive fees.

While the management company system is generally essential in the context of apartment complexes, they may also be required for developments containing a mixture of houses and apartments. The Planning Act 2000 allows the planning authorities to attach conditions to planning permission, including conditions regarding the setting up of management companies. It is a matter for the planning authorities to use these powers appropriately.

I thank the Minister of State for his attendance tonight. I know he takes these matters deeply to heart.

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