Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

I welcome the launch today of the website for the regulatory authority for auctioneers and estate agents and the opening of its Navan offices. The authority has been established to provide improved protection for those who buy or sell property. Bearing in mind the recent revelations regarding conveyancing solicitors, it is good that the property sector is working to improve its reputation among consumers. Even though legislation has not yet been introduced to put the body on a statutory basis, 2,800 auctioneers have already signed up to the code of practice. That is great news for the sector and I wish the authority the best in its endeavours.

Like Senator Fitzgerald, I noted this morning that up to 5,000 of the nation's children, some as young as seven years of age, care for relatives in their homes. Studies indicate that although the children achieve tremendous results within the home, their educational achievements are 25% lower than their peers at school, yet no support networks have been put in place by the Government to help them. Glasgow, which has a population of just 600,000, has 22 young carer co-ordinators but there are none in Ireland at present, so I would like the Government to provide at least some such co-ordinators in this country. Will the Leader impress upon the Minister the need to provide assistance for young carers so that the marvellous contributions they make today do not mean they will suffer under-achievement in later life?