Cathal Crowe (Clare, Fianna Fail)
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486. To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality if he will bring forward new legislation in order that, insofar as house sales are concerned, “sale agreed” means that deposits are non-refundable; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [7372/23]

Simon Harris (Wicklow, Fine Gael)
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As the Deputy will be aware, a 'Contract of Sale' for those buying and selling a property specifies exactly what is being sold and the terms and conditions of a sale. A contract, once signed by both parties, binds the parties to the completion of the transaction. Disputes regarding contracts are, as such, a matter for the law and the courts. There are no plans at present to introduce or amend legislation in this area.

The Property Services Regulatory Authority, the statutory regulatory body specifically tasked with responsibility for licensing and regulating property services providers, published a detailed “Guide for Users of Property Services Providers in Ireland" which explains the legal position in relation to the payment of deposits, signing of contracts and other important and relevant matters. That guide is available on the Authority's website at: www.psr.ie.