Colm Burke (Fine Gael)

I need to correct the record in regard to something I said on the Order of Business on 23 April. I quoted a figure of 4,000 instead of 400 and €32 million instead of €3.2 million. At my request, the Leader corrected it on the day but I understand that to correct the record, I need to do so myself.

I refer to the management companies of apartment complexes. Reading a report in the Irish Independent yesterday, I understand a number of companies are having difficulty collecting the standard charge each apartment owner must pay to maintain services in the common areas. In some apartment complexes, lights have been turned off because ESB bills have not been paid and major problems are arising. In some cases, there are genuine problems where apartment owners are in financial difficulty but in other cases, I understand landlords are paying these charges at the last minute.

Will the Leader consider inviting the Minister to the House for a debate on whether there is a need to bring in new legislation to deal with this issue? Where people buy an apartment in a complex, they have a legal obligation to pay the charge to facilitate all of the occupiers of the complex. Some people who are paying those charges are being disadvantaged. If one goes to sell one's apartment, one will not be able to do so if there are difficulties in regard to managing the common areas. It is a serious problem which requires urgent debate and, if necessary, new legislation.