Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I second the amendment which deals with an important principle. As Senator Mullen said, it relates to a very real issue of pressing concern to many apartment owners, the level — often the excessive level — of service charge payable. Generally, the provisions of section 15 are to be welcomed, as they will, I hope, guard against excessive service charges being levied on apartment owners. The point is that the equitable apportionment of the service charge should take account of the type and size of unit owned. I suspect the Minister may say in response, if he is not willing to accept the amendment, that it is superfluous because the principle is already encompassed by the phrase "equitably apportioned". I hope this is the case, that it is unnecessary to include this provision and that it is superfluous. However, the wording proposed would give greater protection and security to apartment owners in that it might make them feel a little more secure about what is meant by "equitable apportionment" of the service charge. Therefore, this is an important principle.