Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Deputies and, in particular, the Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enterprise, Trade and Employment, Deputy Penrose, and Oppositions spokespersons, for their co-operation. The amended version of the Bill will go before the Seanad tomorrow. There is an urgency about it because we are small nation competing against others for these types of funds. It is high end. It is important that we are flexible but have the proper regulation. I can assure Deputies that is the perception out there and the factual situation is that Ireland is seen, in the context of financial services and funds, to have good governance, oversight and regulation.

I thank the Companies Registration Office, the Central Bank and the Revenue Commissioners, which were all consulted, for giving their views on the Bill. As we are in the festive season, I thank the Acting Chairman, the staff and fellow Members of the House and wish them all a happy Christmas. I thank my officials here in the bullring and wish them a happy Christmas.

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