Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)

Large elements of this Bill can be applied retrospectively because they do not overturn agreements made previously. For example, it is not retrospective in regard to the issue of voting rights because it may already be included in existing documentation pertaining to the development that certain voting rights are available. We cannot retrospectively change that. Issues relating to the holding of an annual general meeting, service charges and so on are dealt with in regard to pre-existing estates. It is not on all-fours with the other issue being debated in the other House on a Private Members' motion, which is about rewriting contracts. This is not about rewriting existing contracts as such but the element of voting rights would be.