The work of the new regulator for estate agents and auctioneers moved a step closer today with the appointment of a director of the National Property Services Regulatory Authority.
Minister for Justice Michael McDowell announced the appointment of Thomas Lynch, a former senior official at his department, following an open competition run by the Public Appointments Service.
Mr Lynch will begin work immediately on the establishment of the authority and finding premises for its office in Navan, Co Meath.
Legislation establishing the authority is due next year.
Mr McDowell said the authority "will fulfil a vital role in promoting high standards in this important sector and implementing a new regulatory framework for auctioneering, estate agency, property letting and property management services in Ireland"
Mr Lynch will be responsible for the day-to-day operation of the Authority and will assist it in formulating and developing policy, Mr McDowell added.
The authority is being created in response to concern about practices within the sector such as gazumping and phantom bidders at auctions.
The authority is expected to have the power investigate public complaints about agents and impose and withdraw licences to practice.