Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

Could I explore with the Minister the reasons for the inordinate delay in bringing forward this important legislation, which is of considerable significance having regard to the current banking and financial crisis? We are out of sync with our EU partners by not having ratified and enshrined in law the third EU anti-money laundering directive.

In view of the heads of the Bill that were published, this Bill includes not merely the financial services industry, but also the gaming and casino industry. Is there good reason to suggest that the Minister's friends in the gaming industry are being protected by the delay in bringing forward this legislation and this is in some way linked to the fact that there is no movement on casino or gaming regulation? Why is there such a delay in bringing forward this legislation?

See this speech in context