Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)
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Question 46: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if, in regard to his comments to a Law Reform Commission conference on 25 January 2007, he will outline his proposals for a high level group to consider how best to regulate the operation of property management companies; if the membership of the group has been finalised; if the terms of reference for the group have been agreed; when the group is expected to report; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [6848/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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Issues relating to multi-unit developments and the operation of property management companies were discussed at a Conference organised by my Department and the Law Reform Commission on 25 January. The Conference provided an opportunity for a preliminary discussion of the wide range of policy issues identified in the Law Reform Commission's Consultation Paper on Multi-Unit Developments. A consultation process is currently under way in relation to the draft recommendations contained in the Paper and the Commission intends to publish a Report containing its definitive recommendations for reform later this year.

The Consultation Paper makes it clear that solutions to the difficulties arising in this area will require action across a broad range of policy areas, including the planning and development code, company law, consumer protection law and the development of regulatory structures. In recognition of this, and the cross-cutting nature of many of the issues, the Government has approved the establishment of a high-level interdepartmental committee to assist in the development of a coherent and comprehensive legislative response to the difficulties arising in relation to property management companies.

The committee, which will hold its first meeting early next month, comprises representatives of the following Departments and Offices:

Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment;

Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government;

Department of Finance;

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform;

National Consumer Agency;

Office of the Attorney General;

Office of the Director for Corporate Enforcement, and

Office of Public Works.

A key task of the committee will be to identify the key legislative and administrative actions to be taken and to determine a timescale for implementation as soon as possible. In particular, the committee will have regard to the recommendations for legislative reforms contained in the Law Reform Commission's forthcoming Report on Multi-Unit Developments.