Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is concern that there will be a lack of focus in respect of expertise in particular areas. For example, when two bodies, which cover different products, are merged, the expertise and focus on either financial products or pension products could diminish. They are separate and I am not convinced that a justifiable rationale has been provided as to why these bodies, which carry out serious, important work on behalf of consumers, should merge. The evidence in the consultation process did not diminish that argument. Indeed, the process probably strengthened the argument against it because time and time again, concern was raised about the potential lack of expertise in either body as a result of the merger. Expertise is required in respect of complicated financial products in some cases.