Written answers

Tuesday, 18 January 2011

Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform

Property Services Regulation

8:00 am

Photo of Andrew DoyleAndrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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Question 289: To ask the Minister for Justice and Law Reform if there are adequate safeguards and guidance for rural landowners leasing farmland, many of them elderly, concerning default of lessees; if he will direct the Property Services Regulatory Authority to review the role and responsibilities of the auctioneers in this area, particularly in relation to information to lessors and services in the case of default by lessees. [2467/11]

Photo of Dermot AhernDermot Ahern (Louth, Fianna Fail)
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The position is the Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009, which has already been passed by the Seanad and is currently awaiting Dail Committee Stage, provides for establishment of the Property Services Regulatory Authority. While the primary function of the Authority will be to establish and administer a licensing system for property services providers, including auctioneers and letting agents, and investigate complaints arising from the provision of property services by licensees, the Authority will also have broader consumer protection functions in relation to property services.

Section 11(2)(k) of the Bill provides, for example, that the Authority may promote public awareness and disseminate information to the public in respect of property services, in particular the costs of such services, and the risks and benefits associated with the provision of those services. The Authority is also required in the performance of its statutory functions to promote the best interests of clients and other users and potential users of property services in a manner that is consistent with the orderly and proper functioning of the property services markets and the orderly control and supervision of those services.

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