Michael Finneran (Roscommon-South Leitrim, Fianna Fail)

First, I wish to reassure the Deputy on this matter. At present, local authorities have certain powers under the 1992 Act, which they use in at least three ways that I can think of. First, they use them when an estate gets together and decides to set up its own co-operative management. This takes place in some, but not all, local authorities and works well. In an estate of 20 or 30 houses, the householders may decide to set up a co-operative among themselves in respect of maintenance and so on. Second, local authorities get involved in many other activities that are not necessarily their responsibility. For example, they set up joint management companies in respect of leisure or tourism facilities. Third, they also do so in respect of voluntary housing. As the Deputy is aware, although my Department pays for it through the local authorities, in some cases the latter also have management responsibilities.

These powers already exist and I will not extend them or provide other opportunities in this regard. However, were we to proceed with the sale of flats, as I do not doubt we will, I would be obliged to make accommodation in the Housing (Miscellaneous Provisions) Bill itself. For example, in a unit of 30 dwellings in which ten are purchased and 20 stay public, we will be obliged to enter into new arrangements. I will be obliged in the Bill to give the power to local authorities to set up some form of management arrangement for such a scenario. I intend to do so during the passage of the Bill. However, the Deputy will have plenty of opportunities to discuss this matter during the debate.

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