asked the Minister for Justice if he is aware that there are companies in Dublin operating as flat finding agencies charging flat seekers exorbitant fees for a service they do not provide; that many such companies do not hold licences; and as the main target of the agencies are young married couples in dire need, what action he proposes to take to deal with such agencies.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Flat Finding Agencies.
33.
Under the Auctioneers and House Agents Acts, a person must be licensed in order to carry on the business of a house agent. The definition of "house agent" in the Acts covers only the case where somebody acts as agent for another person, for reward, in connection with the purchase, sale or letting of a house or flat.
I understand that there are agencies which for a fee give information about available accommodation. The Auctioneers and House Agents Acts do not apply to this type of activity and there is no requirement that an agency must be licensed in order to engage in such business. I am not considering any proposals for regulating activities of this kind.
I am sure the Minister is aware of the practice of agencies taking advantage of people in dire need? Would the Minister not think it desirable that some form of legislation should be introduced in view of such activities which are far from laudatory.
My information is that there are a few of these agencies in Dublin. The Garda have no record of any complaints having been made in regard to them. I could not conclude, therefore, that they could be described as taking advantage of people.
Would the Minister consider that complaints should be made to the Garda in the first instance?
They should. If there were grounds for complaint, such complaints should be made to the Garda.
If they do not have licences what would one be complaining to the Garda about?
If there were any allegations that these people were acting fraudulently in any way the appropriate people to complain to would be the Garda.
But if they are acting unfairly and taking unfair advantage but not fraudulently what can the Garda do about it? Nothing. But the Minister could do something about it.
Would the Minister not agree that there have been known instances where charges have been made for information in relation to the letting of flats by proprietors of those flats? They charge a fee for information and this is not covered by legislation. Surely the Minister will agree, therefore, that where young migrants come to Dublin and seek flats, or where young civil servants or young married couples seek flats, this kind of exploitation whereby a charge is made for information should not be allowed? Ten or 12 people are sent along to the flats and are charged a hefty fee simply for being provided with information by the people who actually own the premises. Surely the Minister must accept that legislation, either in the form of an amendment to the current Act, or in the form of a new Bill, is required?
We cannot have a long speech on this matter.
Does the Minister not agree that an amendment of the legislation is required here?
The fact is that there have not been any complaints that such is happening. If Deputy Desmond has particular instances in which this is alleged to have happened, if he could let either the Garda or myself know I will have the matter investigated.
Question No. 34.
Will the Minister have another look at the problem in the light of advertisements which are appearing in the evening papers from these flat agencies?
I will have a look at it but, as I say, no complaints have been made. It seems foolish to introduce legislation if the complaints are not there. If these abuses are taking place they do not seem to be taking place on a wide scale.
If the Minister's Department investigated this they would find a reason for amending the legislation.