Áine Brady (Kildare North, Fianna Fail)
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Question 534: To ask the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government if his Department has undertaken a review of planning and housing policy relating to multi-unit developments as set out in the recommendations of the Law Reform Commission consultation paper on multi-unit developments, 2006; if his Department has made progress in developing or producing a national policy for local authorities taking multi-unit developments in charge; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [29445/07]

John Gormley (Dublin South East, Green Party)
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In December 2006, the Law Reform Commission published a Consultation Paper on Multi-Unit Developments which drew attention to a broad range of issues arising in relation to the governance and operation of such developments, including problems arising from the manner in which company law currently applies to property management companies. The Consultation Paper made it clear that action to address these problems would be required across several policy fields, including company law, consumer protection law and the development of regulatory structures.

In recognition of the cross-cutting nature of many of the issues identified by the Law Reform Commission in its Paper, a high-level interdepartmental committee has been established to assist in the development of a coherent and comprehensive response to the problems arising in this area. A key task of this committee is to identify the legislative and administrative actions to be taken in response to definitive recommendations for legislative reforms which, following a lengthy consultation process, will be set out in the Law Reform Commission's forthcoming Report on Multi-Unit Developments and to determine a timescale for their implementation.

The targeted study and consultation process undertaken by the Law Reform Commission is currently nearing completion and I can assure the Deputy that I am determined to ensure that whatever action is required will be taken sooner rather than later in response to the Commission's forthcoming Report and its recommendations for reform.