Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

I want to raise three matters. We have all noted there are social partnership discussions about a job subsidy. Will this require legislation? If so, is it intended to introduce it before the House rises for the summer?

The Minister indicated this morning on a radio programme that the Government had approved the heads of the National Asset Management Agency legislation. Will he use the procedure available to him to present the heads of the Bill to the Oireachtas for consideration so it can have an early opportunity to have an input?

With regard to the reform of the regulatory structure of the Central Bank and Financial Regulator, the Minister indicated responsibility for consumer information would be transferred elsewhere. What will happen regarding consumer protection under the new structure and when will we see the legislation? It is feared that consumers will be squeezed as the Central Bank regains total control over regulation. The consumer protection element, which is needed, now seems to be downgraded to simply an information role.

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