Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

I thank the speakers who took part in the debate. Many Deputies gave their constituency experiences with regard to how major an issue this is, particularly in large urban centres. As some speakers noted, it is a growing phenomenon throughout the country, particularly with recent large-scale urban developments in the commuter belt and further afield.

I thank the Labour Party for supporting the Bill. I cannot support the Sinn Féin amendment because I have no confidence in the local authority system to deal with this issue at present. My experience is that local authorities have great difficulty taking estates in charge, in spite of the legislation. They do not want to take them in charge because it will cost them money. While that is not an excuse for local authorities not doing their business properly under the Act, it is the reality and the way things work in the local government system. People should be entitled to organise their own affairs and take responsibility for their own complex, but to do so in a way that is properly regulated and underpinned by a base of primary legislation.

I acknowledge what the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, has said in this regard. I also congratulate him on his appointment.

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