Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I would like to be associated with the congratulations to a former Member of this House who has been elevated to Minister of State, Deputy Haughey. I wish him well in his work. He was an active Member of the Seanad when he was here with us.

There has been much discussion on the issue of management companies that run housing estates or apartment blocks. Difficulties have arisen from them and they have been discussed on radio and television programmes and in this House. We have examined what has happened in other countries where these management companies are established as corporate bodies with legal recognition. They have an input into the planning processes in the area. For example, a person who wants to change the exterior of his or her house or make significant changes to the appearance of the area must get the permission of the local management group or syndicate. It is established by law. It would be useful if the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government came to the House to debate this. Everybody would agree that it is the way forward.

People are becoming the creatures of management companies over which they often have no control. This should be put on a legal footing and a statutory basis so that people could have trust and confidence in them. They could then deliver protection for local people as well as the facilities they need such as painting the exterior of the apartment block or looking after the landscaping. Although it is not major work, it is important to quality of life. Senator Morrissey and others raised it here and we should ask the Minister to attend the House and see if he can advance it.