Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I thank the Minister for accepting amendment No. 2 which arose from Committee Stage deliberations. It had become apparent that section 10, which provides for the property services regulatory authority membership, would have allowed it to be dominated by property service provider professionals. The section's wording was, therefore, flawed. This amendment will mark a great improvement for consumer protection in ensuring not more than three members of the authority shall be representatives of those providing property services. It will also ensure the authority's independence in this regard which is what the Minister intended.

There was some debate on Committee Stage regarding the provisions around amendment No. 3. Notwithstanding the Minister's objection to it, it is important that it is specified that at least three members of the authority should be consumer interest representatives. I accept his point that all sorts can claim to be consumer interest representatives, as indeed all sorts could claim to be representatives of those who provide property services. Given the Bill's aim to ensure greater consumer protection in this unregulated area, it would be useful to be more specific about the numbers of those on the 11-member authority who would specifically represent consumers' interests. I accept there is some reference to consumer affairs in section 10(3) but this amendment would strengthen consumer protection.