Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is widely known I established the agency on an interim basis, and this has been widely debated in the House. It was good to have it established on an interim basis prior to the passing of legislation and it has been effective prior to having a statutory footing. This has been evident mainly in the area of advocacy, research and a number of campaigns organised around a range of issues. The agency has made submissions on a number of policy issues both to me and other Departments.

The NCA has been very effective. The placing of the agency on a statutory footing will now give it the enforcement powers raised in the Deputy's question. The agency clearly could not proceed with prosecutions when it did not have a statutory basis, and this fact was known to the Deputy and everybody else. I am surprised the question was put in that format.

In the aftermath of the consumer group it was correct to set up the agency and it has worked very well so far. It will be a strong advocate for consumers and it represents significant infrastructure for consumer protection and advocacy that we have not had in this country.

See this speech in context