Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State. I, too, must declare an interest in that some of my business background is in auctioneering and I continue to hold a licence, even though I am more of a silent partner and consultant in the business. However, I am honoured to be a member of the IPAV and wish to declare that interest also.

A journalist, writing in one of last Sunday's newspapers with regard to this motion, stated auctioneers were up there with politicians and journalists as favourite targets for abuse.