It is a huge issue. Have a look at daft for properties for sale in Ireland at present. There is more than 50,000. I dont believe for one second that (50,000 x 200) over €10 million has been spent on BER certs in Ireland so I would guess most dont have certs and who is going to check anyway. Most auctioneers dont even check.
I'm afraid it doesn't matter what you believe or otherwise. You cannot complete the conveyance or lease of a house (legally anyway) without a BER cert as of the 1st January this year. So it doesn't matter if your auctioneer doesn't check - it is YOU that will levied with the 5000 euro fine under Article 10 of the Regulations.... however if you choose not to believe this than that is another issue!