Joanna Tuffy (Dublin Mid West, Labour)
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Question 533: To ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform his views on the proliferation of standard form restrictions that prohibit apartment residents, whether owners or tenants, from hanging their washing out to dry on their apartment balconies; his further views on whether purported aesthetic or property value considerations could or should outweigh the importance of promoting energy conservation and the avoidance of excessive and unnecessary domestic electricity consumption by drying machines and the like; if he plans to have consultations with representatives of landlords and property managers regarding abolishing the rule; if he proposes appropriate legislation if that proves ineffective; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19807/08]

Dermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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Apartment living involves a high level of interdependence between residents and this is frequently reflected in the fact that the leases for such accommodation contain conditions or covenants which are designed to maintain the exterior of the building while minimising internal noise and nuisance levels for the benefit of residents. Such conditions may, for example, regulate the uses to which balcony space may be put, the keeping of pets or the installation of wooden floors. These covenants form part of the contractual arrangements entered into by residents themselves and are essentially a matter for the parties concerned.