Emmet Stagg (Kildare North, Labour)

During the week the leader of the Labour Party, Deputy Rabbitte, raised with the Taoiseach the issue of the threatened or promised — depending on which way one looks at it — increase of 30% in fees for auctioneers because they have not enough work to make themselves rich without working. In any event, the Taoiseach indicated the property services regulatory authority Bill would give powers to the Minister to control the prices paid. He indicated the Bill was a matter of urgency and was likely to be before the Dáil before Easter.

It states in the list of Bills that publication is expected in 2007. I am used to reading these lists and I know this means there is not a snowball's chance in hell of this legislation coming before the House before the general election. Does this mean nothing will be done about this 30% increase?

My colleague, Deputy Shortall, indicated to the Ceann Comhairle yesterday that she wished to raise an issue. She cannot be here this morning and I ask to be permitted to raise the matter on her behalf. The Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, promised some time before Christmas that he would introduce a short Bill to deal with a number of miscellaneous issues in the transport area, including the right of local authorities to have resident-only parking in various parts of towns and cities. This is a particular issue around Croke Park. I do not see that Bill on the list. I understand significant work has been completed on this short Bill and if it were to be brought to the House I imagine the Opposition would co-operate in passing it.

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