The first meeting of the working group established to review current practice within the estate agent and auctioneering profession took place yesterday.
Chairman of the group, Mr Alan McCarthy, a former chief executive of An Bord Trachtála, said it was too early to discuss details of the group's work, but indicated that he hoped the group would have the bulk of its work done by the end of the year,
"We have set up our work schedule and timetable, and we know what we want to do.
"We will try to get the main points developed by the end of the year."
The group, which includes industry representatives and consumer bodies, has been asked to review current practice within the sector, and make any necessary recommendations for new legislation.
It has also been requested to make specific recommendations in relation to qualifications in the sector, the need for a code of ethics, a complaints system and regulation of the sector.
Mr McCarthy has indicated that he will tackle gazumping, unrealistic guide prices and educational qualifications.
Advertisements will be placed in the national media in coming days seeking submissions from members of the public and relevant organisations, according to Mr McCarthy.
He siad that he hoped to get significant material from this process.
The group also plans to undertake a substantial investigation of both Irish and international reviews of the industry in the coming weeks to ensure that it has as wide a view as possible.
Mr McCarthy said the group would also look at how certain issues in the sector were dealt with on other countries.
He added that he would expect the group to work together in a "very constructive" manner.