Pat Moylan (Fianna Fail)

As one who has dealt on many occasions with auctioneers, I have found them to be straight and decent. Perhaps they fooled me at times, but I was unaware of that. The Minister of State said that a regular review of the adequacy of regulatory legislation is desirable. Perhaps that has happened as a result of the motion tabled here this evening. The Minister of State said he intends to arrange a review of the regulatory framework for the auctioneering industry. That will be worthwhile. He also said that the review will include the examination of the need for the introduction of a code of ethics and professional standards for the auctioneering profession. That is a response to the motion and to the amendment.

I agree with Senator Scanlon's comments about licensing and the opportunity people have, if they so wish, to complain about an auctioneer if he or she is not carrying out his or her functions in a proper manner. Auctioneers are often blamed in the wrong in cases where property developers, who make substantial profits, fail to complete estates. People tend to point the finger at the auctioneer from whom they bought the property.