Brian Hayes (Dublin South West, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister, Deputy Noonan, already publicly outlined his support for the intention set out in the amendment. The question is whether this is necessary in the context of the legislation, because we think this can be done by way of regulation. The objective outlined by the Deputy in his amendment is also the objective of the Minister for Finance. If the Deputy is agreeable, we will table an amendment on Report Stage. It is important to put it in that way as it is important for people to know they are entitled to this on an annual basis.

It is good consumer practice and it also reflects the majority view in the House on the Government side and the Opposition side that this should happen. If the Deputy is agreeable I ask him to withdraw the amendment and we will table our own amendment on Report Stage.