Dáil Éireann Debate, Thursday - 5 February 2026
293. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether he has examined the use of discretionary house rules by apartment management companies, particularly in relation to pet ownership, where such rules indicate that permissions may be granted on a case by case basis but are applied in practice as blanket prohibitions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8942/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra294. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether his Department has considered the need for clearer policy or legislative guidance to ensure that house rules in managed apartment developments are applied transparently and in accordance with their stated terms, including where discretionary decision making is provided for; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8943/26]
Amharc ar fhreagra295. Deputy Barry Heneghan asked the Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration whether, in the context of increasing numbers of people living long term in apartment accommodation, he has assessed whether current regulatory frameworks provide sufficient clarity and accountability in relation to decisions made by apartment management companies that materially affect quality of life for renters; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [8944/26]
Amharc ar fhreagraI propose to take Questions Nos. 293, 294 and 295 together.
The Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 (MUDs Act) was enacted with the primary objective of reforming the law relating to the ownership and management of common areas of multi-unit developments, and facilitating the fair, efficient and effective management of owners' management companies (OMCs).
While the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration has had responsibility for the Multi-Unit Developments Act 2011 since its preparation and enactment, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the policyholder: both regarding overall housing policy, and regarding Government action to remedy structural defects in MUDs.
Although both Departments have been engaged to ensure that there is a clear appreciation of the key problems and issues requiring to be addressed in this sector, and the relevant overall policy responses by Government, under the Programme for Government, Securing Ireland’s Future, responsibility for the regulation of OMCs and the Multi-Unit Developments Act is to be transferred from the Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
A timeline for the transfer of functions is currently being advanced and will be enabled by the necessary legislative amendments which are to avoid a conflict of Ministerial responsibility as arose in the Mulcreevy case.
Engagement between our Departments is ongoing to ensure this happens in a well-managed and efficient manner.
Once responsibility for MUDS has moved, the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is committed to reviewing the Act and to the making of regulations, where required.
