Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Allow me to give it and we can then proceed with the business of the House. The Central Bank Bill is to come before the House this year. We have agreed a range of reforms to financial regulatory structures. The aim is that the associated legislation will be put before the Oireachtas for consideration as soon as possible. In regard to the specific job the Governor has been asked to do - a scoping exercise, as outlined by the Minister for Finance - he can and will do this job and has agreed to do it.

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