Terence Flanagan (Dublin North East, Fine Gael)

When can the House expect the introduction of the property services regulatory authority Bill? This authority was set up on a non-statutory basis in 2005. Since then a director designate was appointed in July 2006 and it acquired a full-time premises in Navan and a staff. Its budget was €700,000 in 2007 and is €930,000 in 2008. It is farcical that this authority exists but cannot even perform the functions for which it was set up as legislation has not been passed by this House or even published. The Bill is not even on the legislative agenda for this session.

If one looks at their websites, there seems to be a conflict between the Taoiseach's Department and the regulatory authority as to when the Bill will be published. Meanwhile, apartment owners throughout the country experience constant frustration with their property agents and value for money with their service fees. Will the Taoiseach introduce this Bill as a matter of urgency in this session?

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