Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 609: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform if the high level interdepartmental committee on multi-unit developments, which is chaired by his Department, will be inviting submissions from interested parties; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30980/07]

Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)
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The position is that several consultative processes have recently been undertaken in relation to issues arising in connection with multi-unit developments. Following publication of its Consultation Paper on Multi-Unit Developments in December 2006, the Law Reform Commission launched an extensive consultation process and the Commission will have regard to the submissions received from interested bodies and individuals when completing its final report. In December 2006, the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement also invited submissions in response to its Consultation Paper containing Draft Guidance on the Governance of Apartment Owners' Management Companies. I understand that the Office is currently finalising the document in light of submissions received during the consultation process.

The National Consumer Agency has published a booklet entitled "Property Management Companies and You" and a report on "Management Fees and Service Charges Levied on Owners of Property in Multi-Unit Dwellings". As part of its follow up to these publications, the Agency launched an on-line consultation process "Have Your Say" seeking consumer input in relation to the experience of living in a multi-unit development.

The high-level interdepartmental committee will, as part of its deliberative process, be assessing the outcomes of these consultations and reporting on them. The question of the committee itself inviting submissions does not arise at present.