James Reilly (Dublin North, Fine Gael)
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Question 325: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if he has plans to issue regulations or bring forward legislation to address the shortfalls in the operation of management companies and to address the situation where late filing of annual returns is blocking the sale of properties under the aegis of such management companies; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [18159/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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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 last. 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 which was published late last year. The Commission intends to publish a Report containing its definitive recommendations for reform later this year following completion of a consultation process.

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 established 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 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 is 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 Law Reform Commission's definitive recommendations for legislative reforms in its forthcoming Report on Multi-Unit Developments.