Charles Flanagan (Laois, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I acknowledge the importance of the Bill and the interest that Deputy Darragh O'Brien has taken in this matter over a long number of years. I thank him for tabling this Private Members' Bill which provides the House with the opportunity to discuss matters connected with the operation of owners' management companies, or OMCs, in multi-unit developments. We have seen a significant increase in the number of multi-unit developments in recent times and this trend is set to continue. Large numbers of people are now living in apartments in multi-unit developments in cities and towns all over Ireland. It is essential, therefore, that our legislation provides a supportive and sustainable framework for apartment living and that it is kept up to date and relevant to the needs of those who, whether as owner occupiers or tenants, live in apartments. This includes the company laws that underpin OMCs and their activities. Particularly welcome is the emphasis in the Bill on the promotion of good governance in the management of OMCs, the provision of information and training services and the resolution of disputes by means of mediation rather than through costly and possibly lengthy, legal proceedings.

I assure Deputy Darragh O'Brien that the Government is supportive of the aims and objectives of the Bill. However, which is not a word I like to use as it is a bit like inserting a "but"-----

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