Joe O'Toole (Independent)

Yesterday I raised the question of young people buying houses and the fact that they are either being misled or given incorrect impressions from those providing different views and advice. I am concerned because, in view of the fact that the same information is available to the State, people are giving totally opposing advice to young people. Those who give this kind of advice should at least be required to include a declaration of interest to the effect that it is in the business of stockbrokers to sell equities and that it is in the business of auctioneers to sell property, etc. I was amazed at the response of Senator Dooley and others who rushed to the defence of the auctioneering group. When I raise this issue, the response I normally receive from auctioneers is one of delight because they are ashamed at the behaviour of some people in their profession and want it cleaned up.

Tribunals and court cases showed us that auctioneers are the sellers and buyers of property and that auctioneering companies have individuals at the back of auction halls who bid against young buyers and raising the market price. I did not make this evidence up, a member of the Fianna Fáil Parliamentary Party told me stories about an interest in land being sold by their family and their being unhappy about the way it was dealt with and the fact that it emerged that the land ended up in the ownership of an auctioneer's brother.

I did not pull this scenario out of the air. I did not intend to deal with these issues, but they need to be addressed. Perhaps there is a need for regulation in the area of auctioneering so that we all can have trust and confidence in it. This matter needs to be considered and I ask the Leader to invite the appropriate Minister to come before House. I am sure the Minister would share the views of people on both sides of the House. This is not a party political issue. I am sure Senator Dooley would not want to defend and represent himself as being in favour of the kind of activity I have just described.