Mr. Pierre Moscovici:

On legal services reform, the Commission continues to view this as a major reform that must be completed as quickly as possible.

We were encouraged - that is why it is not so serious an issue for this year - to see that some progress has been achieved recently in the context of the legislative process and that the authorities remain committed to having the Legal Services Regulation Bill enacted as soon as possible. The Commission has indicated on numerous occasions that progress towards enactment has been unduly slow, which is unusual. It therefore continues to encourage the authorities to complete this important reform, which has implications for all citizens and for Ireland's competitiveness. The Commission will continue to monitor progress in this area as part of the European semester. Even if there is no longer any specific country-specific recommendation, this matter has been allowed to drag on for a long period and it must not be allowed to go on much longer. This is why we insist on that.

On corporate crime, I have no specific comment to make.

The financial transaction tax, FTT, was proposed by the Commission a few years ago but it did not attract unanimity. By the end of 2012, 11 countries decided to come together to achieve enhanced co-operation. They are working actively on that, with the support of the Commission, which is favourable to such a tax. There is now a reasonable chance that an agreement can be reached in the weeks or months to come. Those involved with the enhanced co-operation project are trying to work on a more limited number of scenarios. In that context, there are now three main scenarios under consideration. The global idea is that there would be a broad base and a low rate. That should be the principle now, in my opinion, and those involved are working on different versions of it. I hope it will enter into force because, as well as the Commission, I am personally in favour of it. What will be the impact on the Irish economy? The important point in that regard is whether a country opts into or opts out of the FTT and what kind of economic and financial flux this will generate. The process relating to the kind of co-operation to which I refer must be inclusive. Some countries might decide to join while others might not. Of course, how they proceed relates to their own financial sectors and how they perceive them. The main effect of the process will be felt by the countries that opt in rather than those that opt out.

As far as golden shares are concerned, it is an anti-trust issue. This matter clearly does not come under my portfolio. While I can sometimes express views on issues of this nature, I fully respect the position of my colleague Margrethe Vestager, under whose portfolio this matter falls. When she comes before the committee, perhaps she will answer the Deputy's question, or perhaps not.