Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I am grateful to the Minister for indicating he might accept my suggested amendment to insert the words "not more than three" on Report Stage. Otherwise, this amendment will not change the problem identified by the Minister which is that the authority could have a majority of representatives of service providers. I am glad to see in section 9(4) an obligation that the Minister shall ensure an appropriate balance between men and women in the composition of the authority. I agree with the Minister that the gender balance issue is important. It is equally important to have a balance to allow for consumer representation. Members of the public in general are the consumers of the services provided by property service providers but there are well-established, general consumer protection and representation and advocacy groups. I would have thought those general consumer groups might well be represented. I have not been briefed by any of them and I hold no brief for any of them. It seems to me that would be an obvious group from which one could draw individual members of the board with appropriate expertise who would provide some form of balance against the representatives of the estate agents and auctioneers. We are all seeking to ensure there is adequate protection for the consumer. This area has been under-regulated for far too long and many of us in the Opposition over long periods have called for proper statutory regulatory authorities. We welcome the legislation but we want to ensure this authority is robust and is not in any way beholden to the industry.