Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I would also welcome a debate on this issue. Senator Ross and others have raised this matter with the Leader on a number of occasions in recent months and we have had to listen to offensive remarks about a profession, the majority of the members of which act exceptionally well and do a fine job on behalf of many people. It is unfair to allow this slating of auctioneers on an ongoing basis. We should have a full and frank debate so that the suggestions we are hearing can be refuted with examples of the numerous cases of high quality work done by auctioneers. There is no concrete evidence for some of the charges that are being made. Much of it comes down to the fact that people cannot afford houses in particular areas and must move to others. That is not the fault of auctioneers. I would welcome a debate on this matter and I look forward to participating in it.