Today, the Irish Auctioneers & Valuers Institute (IAVI) has raised concerns over certain recommendations published in the Report of Special Group on Public Service Numbers and Expenditure Programmes, impacting directly on the Irish property market.

IAVI President, Ms Áine Myler said that, “the proposal to amalgamate the fledgling Property Services Regulatory Authority (PSRA) and the Private Residential Tenancies Board (PRTB) is nonsensical and would be counterproductive to IAVI members and the industry at large.

“We do not share the Bord Snip view on these organisations’ synergies. It clearly misunderstands the rationale for the PSRA and its assertion that a merger would create a single entity responsible for tenants’ rights is incorrect.

“The PSRA will have no legal authority with regard to residential tenancy rights. Its role is to regulate and licence property service providers (estate agents, auctioneers and surveyors involved in the sale and letting of all property and land).

“In addition, we have grave concerns that the licensing and regulation of the entire property industry could be properly and effectively delivered in tandem with the PRTB, which is an inefficient organisation with a poor track record,” she said.

Prior to the publication of this report by An Bord Snip, a Review Group that advised on the establishment of the PSRA said it should be financed by industry, which is provided for within its legislation.

The IAVI also believe that An Bord Snip’s recommendation to transfer the control of all state owned/occupied property to the OPW is a positive one, providing that sufficient resources and expertise exist within the OPW to oversee this process.

“This report looked at outsourcing services to save on public spending; we believe that this applies equally to the management of the State’s property portfolio. Expert facilities management companies from the private sector could provide effective commercial services coupled with highly competitive pricing. To ensure the best value for the public coffers, tenders should be invited for the management of the State’s assets.

"In addition, the proposal to dispose of all non-essential State property must be supported by a commercial rationale that maximises the potential return to the public finances. A strategic plan for the disposal of these properties is essential and there should not be a "fire sale” of these assets, she said.


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