Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

Property management companies are unregulated and uncontrolled, with young families being ripped off to the tune of some €1,200 per year for no other service than to have the grass cut in their estates. This problem is widespread in the new built-up estates in my constituency and elsewhere throughout the State. The issue was debated at length in the House before the last election and we were given clear promises that legislation would be introduced. We were told, however, that there was some complexity because three Departments would be involved and three separate Bills required.

There is no indication in the new legislative programme that anything will be done about this before next October. Before Christmas, the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform promised primary legislation early this year, that is, in the last session. Has the Government any intention of tackling this issue in respect of which Members on all sides of the House agree there is a requirement for statutory regulation and control? There seems to be an incapacity to ensure the three Ministers concerned get this legislation through. Why can this not be done quickly? Everybody knows what the problem is and what the solution should be. Legislation is required to implement that solution.

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