Barry Andrews (Dún Laoghaire, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputy Curran for sharing time with me. This is a significant problem for residents in my constituency. Huge numbers of apartments are being built every year and their owners find themselves faced with large bills for management fees. I understand the National Consumer Agency proposed that action be taken to rectify the significant dearth of information in regard to the rights of home owners. First-time buyers, in particular, are often not aware of the rules that apply to the type of ownership that obtains in apartments.

Positive action is required on the part of the Government in respect of this unregulated area. The Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform indicated his intention to establish a regulatory authority which will ensure that management agents have certain qualifications and are members of a professional body. These proposals will be welcomed by the 500,000 people who live in apartments and must pay management fees that are often extortionate and in respect of which there is no transparency. I look forward to hearing what action the Government will take.

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