Catherine Murphy (Kildare North, Independent)
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Question 275: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality his plans to strengthen the law relating to consumer protection for those purchasing a house or apartment; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7312/11]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Property Services (Regulation) Bill 2009, which has passed through the Seanad and is currently awaiting Dail Committee Stage, contains provisions which will greatly strengthen consumer protection for intending purchasers of houses and apartments. The Bill provides for establishment of the Property Services Regulatory Authority to control and supervise auctioneers, estate agents and property management agents, and to improve standards in the provision of property services for the benefit of their clients and other users and potential users of property services.

The statutory functions of the Authority will include implementation of a licensing system for auctioneers, letting agents and property management agents and establishment of a system for investigating and adjudicating on complaints by clients and customers of licensees. Where complaints are upheld, significant penalties may be imposed. The Authority will also have a general role of promoting public awareness and disseminating information to the public in respect of property services, in particular the cost of such services and the risks and benefits associated with the provision of those services.