Andrew Doyle (Wicklow, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Page 5 of the presentation refers to the European code that is due to be implemented in the third quarter of this year. You are quite happy with that. However, the presentation refers to the "robust framework for dispute resolution, procedures to handle aggravated complaints, a governance group to monitor the new system and issue guidance, and sanctions for breaches of the principles". That suggests there is some type of statutory basis or footing for this EU code when it is implemented. If that is the case, it will apply across Europe. Is it the case that if the Irish consumer and competition Bill mirrored that, it would not present any extra bureaucracy or red tape?

Second, the Competition Authority has been quoted extensively. Is it not the case that the National Consumer Agency, which also seeks to further the best interests of the consumer - I realise the two bodies are to be merged under proposed legislation - has made the point that consolidation, or cannibalisation as it might be more crudely known, of the retail sector is not in the long-term best interests of the Irish consumer?