Charlie O'Connor (Dublin South West, Fianna Fail)

I am surprised the Chair did not remind me that Tallaght was not in the legislation either, because I could talk about it. However, I take the point. I am a relatively new Deputy, as this is my second term, I have watched other Members and some of my more experienced colleagues talk about everything. If I stray, I apologise. I am sorry the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Cowen, is not here because I wanted to pay tribute to him as well.

The Bill complements the EC regulations made last February transposing the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive, MiFID. It harmonises and modernises the EU-wide legislative framework for investment firms, promoting greater cross-border competition. It takes in the whole EU financial sector. The Markets in Financial Instruments Directive should make it easier and cheaper for customers, including retail customers, to buy and sell shares across a Single Market.

I have been warned by the Ceann Comhairle to keep to the subject and not to talk about Tallaght, Ukraine or anything else. I do not know whether the Leas-Cheann Comhairle will be as strict.

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