Phil Hogan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael)

Fine Gael will support this Bill. This is important legislation in the context of the issues the Minister of State alluded to, particularly regarding the dematerialisation of security certification. This has become an issue in recent times, with particular reference to our relationship with Britain. I am conscious that this is an urgent issue. The Bill also deals with the transposition of an EU directive on transparency and takeovers. The Bill gives us an opportunity to assess where we stand on investment, consumer law and the health and well-being of our companies. Today's economic climate is excellent. All the economic growth indicators are solid. We have warnings from time to time from the usual sources such as the Central Bank and the ESRI——

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