Tom Morrissey (Progressive Democrats)

Last week, the National Consumer Agency published a report, Putting Consumers First, which deals with the issue of management companies established in new housing estates. The report, which contained many excellent recommendations, was the result of research into the functions of management companies, the different types of management companies, the non-existence of an arms length approach by both developers and those who run management companies and the duties and responsibilities of these companies.

This area is of major importance among many new communities in Dublin and across the country. It was the subject of a Private Members' motion in the House earlier this year. It is opportune for us to revisit the subject in light of the publication of this excellent report and I ask that the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Noel Ahern, come to the House to discuss the report and examine the type of legislation that can be introduced.

I concur entirely with the sentiments expressed by Senator Norris in respect of the persistence of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Transport in meeting at 2.30 p.m. on Wednesdays.