Tom Hayes (Tipperary South, Fine Gael)

I commend Deputy Hogan on moving this Private Members' motion. Legislation is urgently needed on the issue of management companies. While the problems are particularly serious in Dublin, they have also affected bigger towns throughout the country in recent years. In many villages, expanding housing estates give rise to management committee issues. A debate is needed in this House on legislation that will adequately alleviate the problems experienced by owners when they purchase apartments and houses. Some of these are first-time buyers and some are in rented accommodation. These people need the protection of legislation, which must be put in place.

Management committees or personnel are put in place who know nothing about the particular area of which they are in charge. I know of one instance in my constituency where there are very expensive payments to the committee but people are not getting work done simply because the people in charge have no local knowledge. That is a most important factor. It should be laid down in legislation that people in these positions should have local knowledge of the whole community. I urge the Government to wake up to the fact that there is a real problem out there for people. There is a concern and fear in this regard because people have commitments, including financial commitments. We must debate the matter. The local authority should be listened to and members of the local authority should make it accountable. That is another significant factor. We need debate followed by legislation. It is a real fear and the Government has hidden from the issue while doing nothing. This Private Members' motion may do nothing but ensure we pass relevant legislation in the near future, and I hope that happens.

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