Jan O'Sullivan (Limerick City, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I fully appreciate the intention behind Deputy Ellis's amendment. I wish to repeat what I said on Second Stage. I intend to bring forward an amendment in this regard in the Seanad. We were just not ready to do so here, as it has not been fully drafted. It is a priority and a commitment in the programme for Government to establish a deposit protection scheme. On foot of that commitment, I asked the PRTB to commission research on such a scheme. The research contract was awarded to Indecon Economic Consultants. I received the final report from Indecon in November 2012. The report presents a comprehensive analysis of the range of options for delivery of the programme for Government's commitment. I am currently engaging with the Office of the Attorney General on drafting proposals to establish a deposit protection scheme with a view to bringing proposals to Government shortly and introducing these provisions on Committee Stage in the Seanad.

I fully appreciate and share the concerns of Deputy Ellis and Deputy Catherine Murphy, but the issues are quite complex and we must ensure we draft the amendment properly. In giving a commitment that the matter will be brought forward in the Seanad, I would ask Deputy Ellis to withdraw the amendments.