Skip to main content
Normal View

Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 18 Jul 1956

Vol. 159 No. 8

Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Bray Mock Auctions.

asked the Minister for Justice whether he has received representations from the Bray Urban District Council regarding the holding of mock auctions in the town of Bray, and if he will make a statement on the matter.

The representations have been received and are being considered.

I understand that this business which is being carried on in Bray and is described as mock auctions is causing grave concern to the local people. The local council there passed a resolution calling on the Department to do something about it. They feel that it will have a drastic effect on the town as a tourist resort if it is allowed to continue and develop——

The Deputy is making a speech.

——in view of the fact that the people are highly skilled salesmen and are able to induce people to pay five and six times the value of articles of jewellery, and so on.

The Bray people must be very foolish if they pay five or six times the value of an article.

Apparently the position is that so far they have managed to keep within the law. The Garda authorities are keeping the matter under observation. At present there is no power to deal with them as long as they comply with the law.

Is the Department considering the amendment of the law?

The matter is under consideration. Apparently representations have been made both by the Bray Urban Council and by the Auctioneers' Association and, as a result of these representations, the matter is being investigated. It may be that legislation will be necessary in order to deal with it.

Top
Share