Joe McHugh (Donegal North East, Fine Gael)
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204. To ask the Minister for Justice and Equality with reference to the new regulations governing livestock marts,the reason marts are required to have a licensed auctioneer as a committee member and as principal officer; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [23454/13]

Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)
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The Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) is responsible for the control and regulation of Property Service Providers (i.e. Auctioneers/Estate Agents, Letting Agents and Management Agents). Under the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011, all Property Services Providers (including auctioneers in livestock marts) are required to hold a licence from the Authority. This requirement applies to corporate bodies (including companies), partnerships and sole traders, together with their Principal Officers (i.e. Director, Manager, Secretary or other similar officer) and Employees who provide property services, as well as Independent Contractors.

In the case of corporate bodies, such as marts, providing property services, it is necessary for the corporate body itself and for each principal officer and employee of the corporate body, who is involved in the provision of property services, to hold licences from the PSRA. These requirements are set out in the provisions of the Property Services (Regulation) Act 2011 and the PSRA does not have any discretion in relation to the matter.