Dáil Éireann debate -
Wednesday, 8 Nov 2000

Vol. 525 No. 3

Written Answers. - Housing Transactions.

Minister of State at the Department of the Environment and Local Government (Mr. Molloy)

In the context of the Government's anti-inflationary package senior officials of my Department met representatives of the Irish Auctioneers and Valuers Institute and the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers in July last. The message conveyed at those meetings was the importance for all professional and representative bodies to recognise the need for a sense of social responsibility and restraint in the setting of prices and fees.

Both institutes appreciated the Government message that all interests should take positive steps to curb inflation. Both institutes pointed out that since the introduction of the Competition Act, 1991, associations may not engage in anti-competitive practices including those which directly or indirectly fix prices or fees. The institutes also pointed out that there had been significant growth in the number of auctioneers in recent years and expressed their view that increased competition in the market has eliminated the scope for charging excessive fees. There is competition in the market for the professional services of auctioneers. People can avail of savings by exploring the various options open to them and I encourage them to do so.