Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour)
Link to this: Individually | In context

Question 481: To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality if he will advise on persons (details supplied) status following changes to the regulatory structure for licenced auctioneers; if the person's previous experience will be taken into consideration; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [31757/12]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context

The Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 repeals the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts 1947 to 1973 and establishes the Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) to licence and regulate Property Services Providers (i.e. Auctioneer/Estate Agent, Letting Agent or Management Agent). The Authority is independent in the performance of its functions and I cannot comment on the specifics of any individual case. In order to be licensed as a Property Services Provider by the Authority a person must have either a "minimum academic qualification" or "a minimum level of experience", as set down in the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 (Qualifications) Regulations 2012 (S.I. No. 181 of 2012).

In relation to the case referred to by the Deputy, it would appear that the person concerned wishes to clarify if his past experience in the provision of property services is sufficient to meet the experience requirement. The Regulations require, inter alia, a minimum level of experience, i.e. that the applicant has lawfully engaged in the provision of the property service for which he or she is seeking the licence for not less than 3 years of the 5 year period immediately preceding the making of the application. Alternatively, the Regulations provide that the Authority may grant a licence where it is satisfied that the applicant has such other qualifications or experience, or both, which satisfy the Authority that the applicant is suitable to provide the property service for which he or she is seeking the licence.