Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I move amendment No. 57:

In page 14, subsection (5), lines 5 to 7, to delete all words from and including "the" in line 5 down to and including "concerned" in line 7 and substitute the following:

"be determined by a professional quantity surveyor following consideration of the drawings, mechanical and electrical services, and the obligations regarding services set down in the lease between the buyer and the developer".

This amendment speaks for itself. I support the requirement for a sinking fund. It is relatively inexpensive at €200 a year for apartments but a minimum charge should not be legislated for because different complexes have different needs. This is particularly relevant to housing estates. Some small housing developments are run by management companies and the common areas to be maintained are limited. For instance, there may only be grass cuttings. Therefore, a minimum annual contribution of €200 to a sinking fund would be excessive for such a residence. An amendment needs to be considered to exclude developments where there is little common space. In recent years developers squeezed so many dwellings into small spaces that many people have no space around their complex. Therefore, a sum of €200 would be too expensive. My proposal is intended to overcome this problem.