Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I thank the Minister for his reply. Perhaps he would clarify one further point. This is a significant amendment that will have an impact on the whole area of management of developments. When it becomes law, will it be retrospective to existing developments or will it apply only to new developments? That is a pertinent question having come through a prominent construction boom but we are now on the other side and the position is quite the opposite. The developments are in place but there is much confusion around existing developments. I will give credit where it is due. The Bill addresses many of the issues and problems identified and, without being too critical, it is probably too little, too late in many cases. If it is retrospective, it might clear up many of the issues and problems that exist. We do not want people living in apartments or traditional houses paying management fees for the commercial sections of these developments. They are already put to the pin of their collar to pay their mortgages and household costs and should not have to pay fees of which they may not have been aware prior to the purchase of their house or apartment to sustain sections of the development in which they had no involvement. In effect, they are being asked to take on payment of part of the risk or the overhead cost of running those developments. Will the Minister clarify whether the legislation can be applied retrospectively to many of these areas?