Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

What is the proposed timetable regarding the introduction of the Finance Bill in the aftermath of next week's budget? Will a social welfare Bill also be required? If so, what will be the timetable relating to it?

It has been indicated in recent months that the Tánaiste and Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment is willing to facilitate changes in legislation to provide wider and updated powers to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement. The latter is involved in a number of important investigations, including one relating to Anglo Irish Bank. When will the legislation relating to this matter be introduced? We are of the view that the Director of Corporate Enforcement should be given whatever enhanced powers are required.

The position with regard to management companies continues to give rise to major difficulties for tens of thousands of home owners, particularly in Dublin and Leinster where responsibility for many new developments lies with such companies. As a result of the financial difficulties affecting the construction sector, young people are living in estates and apartment blocks which were constructed by builders or developers who have effectively gone into liquidation and in respect of which there is no actual legal structure in place to govern the activities of management companies. Legislation has continually been promised in this area. The position regarding management companies is creating major problems in the housing market because people wishing to sell on their houses or apartments — in the limited market that exists — are being impeded from doing so if such companies have responsibility for the upkeep of the estates or blocks in which those houses or apartments are located.

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