Michael Lowry (Tipperary North, Independent) | Oireachtas source

In respect of the Rehab presentation, the message on the compensation fund and the imposition of the cap has been put across and I certainly agree with it. It was an extraordinary decision and I think the committee should assist Rehab in the form of a recommendation that the issue of the cap be addressed. The presentation refers to the proposed structures in the Bill for regulation. The idea that the regulation would be within the remit of the Department is a throwback to the old days when we had to dismantle the situation where the semi-State bodies were being governed internally within Departments. That is why we established a telecoms and an energy regulator, as well as a data commissioner. I completely with Rehab's presentation that this issue needs to be addressed in the Bill. Perhaps the Rehab delegates might expand on their views on this issue.

You will be happy to know, Chairman, that I am not going to regale you about the project in County Tipperary. All I will say is that it is my view that the regulations should be sufficiently flexible to allow a future Minister or Government to at least examine a proposal from an operator within the industry. That is my request.