A man has been found guilty of engaging in the business of a mortgage intermediary without authorisation by a Co Kerry district court.

It is the first case of its type to be taken by the Director of Consumer Affairs, Ms Carmel Foley.

Mr Séamus Naughton of Rangue, Killorglin, Co Kerry, was convicted of the charge and fined €1,250.

The case was taken by the director under the Consumer Credit Act, 1995, following an investigation by her office.

Ms Foley's office has previously taken action against authorised intermediaries who have not conducted their business in a "fit and proper" manner according to the legislation, but this is the first case where someone acting without authorisation has been prosecuted.

"Customers should only deal with intermediaries that are properly authorised by my office.

"Intermediaries who hold authorisations are required to display them in an area where they can be seen by consumers," said Ms Foley. Taking out a mortgage was one of the most important financial decisions consumers made, she added.