Michael Kennedy (Dublin North, Fianna Fail)

The Dublin North constituency has a large number of apartment block developments. It is essential that in existing developments roads, lights, public open spaces, etc. come under the immediate control of local authorities. The main problem with management companies is that people feel they are paying charges for services that fall under the remit of local authorities.

There must be a clear delineation of the rights and duties of management companies, developers and local authorities. Often areas are part completed and handed over to a management company. In one estate I know, confusion exists over which body has responsibility for a playground. It was a condition of the planning permission for the developer. However, is it still his responsibility or that of the management company or the local authority?

I welcome the Government's commitment to publish the property services regulatory authority Bill. The sooner proper licensing of management agents is introduced, the better. As in any other profession, proper standards are needed and the cowboys that exist in property services need to be routed out.

I hope the interdepartmental group on property services will complete its report at an early date, allowing the House to consider its recommendations when dealing with legislation on management companies. The sooner a chief executive officer designate of the proposed property services regulatory authority is appointed, the better. It will allow us to give clear direction to developers and management companies in the future.

There is an onus on solicitors to point out to potential apartment purchasers the rules and regulations of management companies. Often people are not aware they have signed into a management company and its responsibilities. This must be set out clearly in the proposed legislation.

I also suggest that a separate client bank account for management companies be provided for, similar to those used in other professions. While I am not suggesting management companies are doing anything improper with the fees charged, no one knows where the fees go. The legislation must provide that the money is locked into a client account. This is a cross-party issue with no need for point-scoring.

Trying to compile a proper electoral register in apartment blocks is impossible. Many residents are foreign nationals who may not want to be on the electoral register. Apart from the difficultly of politicians trying to canvass apartments——

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