Michael D Higgins (Galway West, Labour)
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Question 162: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform the position regarding the work of the interim national property services regulatory authority and of its director, appointed in June 2006; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14696/07]

Michael McDowell (Dublin South East, Progressive Democrats)
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As the Deputy will be aware in July 2004 I established the Auctioneering/Estate Agency Review Group to carry out a review of all aspects of the auctioneering profession in Ireland and to make recommendations for any changes necessary in terms of structures and/or legislation.

A fundamental finding of the Review Group was that the existing statutory framework — the Auctioneers and Estate Agents Acts 1947 to 1973 — which regulates the sector is outdated, inappropriate and inadequate for the present day market and it recommended the establishment of a Regulatory Authority, on a statutory basis, to underpin new regulatory arrangements in the industry.

Last December I obtained Government approval for legislation to establish the Authority on a statutory basis and the general scheme of the Property Services Regulatory Authority Bill was published on 21st December 2006.

Clearly for the new Authority to be fully functional it will be necessary for it to be established on a statutory basis. However, pending enactment of the legislation, I set up an Implementation Group to assist and advise on practical matters relating to the establishment of the new body and a Chief Executive designate, who is working closely with the Implementation Group, has been appointed. While the Group and the Chief Executive designate are currently involved in establishing the basic organisational structures, systems and procedures, necessary to any organisation a number of specific issues, fundamental to the long term functioning of the Authority, have been identified which can be addressed in advance of it being established on a statutory basis. These include the acquisition of accommodation for the Authority, the development of a code of practice for the industry, the creation of a National Public Register of Property Services Providers and the development of consumer information packs.

To date significant progress has been made in each of these areas as follows. Accommodation has been acquired in Navan for the Authority and plans for the fitting out of the accommodation have been agreed. A Code of Practice has been drafted by the Group and has been circulated to a wide range of interested parties including bodies representing the industry and consumer interests. Once discussions with the various interest groups have been concluded it is intended to publish the Code. A National Public Register of Auctioneers and House agents is being developed in conjunction with the Courts Service and the Revenue Commissioners. It is intended that this Register will be published as soon as possible after the Code of Practice has been agreed. Public information material on the provision of property services, including the purchase and sale of property, is currently being prepared. It is planned to have this material available before the end of the year.