Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

Unfortunately, the legislation relating to the merger of the NCA and the Competition Authority is complicated. I am putting together the new structure at present. On the formulation relating thereto, a proposal has been put forward to the effect that we should transfer the consumer side of the Financial Regulator's business to the NCA. That is work in hand. I am not in a position to state for certain whether this legislation will be available by the end of the year. That is why I did not pursue the matter with the Whip. However, I am working to the best of my ability to ensure that the legislation is drawn up. On the basis of the review that has taken place, our competition law will require some further time to develop. The matter is in hand and it is my intention to introduce the legislation as quickly as possible.

A decision has not been made in respect of the Committee Stage debate on the National Asset Management Agency Bill. I am not in a position to say otherwise. In addition, there are as yet no proposals with regard to changes in the Estimates process.

See this speech in context